The Bridge
Nationwide ‘988’ Phone Number Launch is Game Changer for Teens in Distress
Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Teen Suicide Rates Could Be Impacted by New FCC Mandated Phone Number With Live Operators
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA /EINPresswire.com/ — July 16, 2022 marks the deadline that was directed by the FCC for all cell phone carriers to implement the shortened number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and integrate it into their system. This 3-digit, easy to remember, number will enable anyone to simply reach out to 988 and speak with a live operator. National call centers are working hard to efficiently man their centers and hire more trained employees and volunteers. It’s possible that in some states there may not be enough people to handle the volume of calls that are expected to come in.
Since 2005, there has been a network of more than 200 crisis centers with trained counselors to chat or speak with someone in crisis. There have been numerous studies that have proven that after these call sessions, the caller has felt less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful.
A segment of the population that is disproportionately affected by suicide and attempted suicide are teens. Teens have a unique set of stressors that weigh on them. They are dealing with bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem, family stress, and more that leads to withdrawal, anxiety, aggression, physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse and serious mental health breakdowns, including suicide and attempted suicide.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 & nearly 20% of high schoolers report serious thoughts of suicide with 9% of these teens having attempted to take their lives.”— Chanda Spates, CEO – DDAAT-App!
“According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S and almost 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide. And if that’s not staggering enough, 9% of these teens have attempted to take their lives,” commented Chanda Spates, DDAAT-App! CEO. “Our children are at great risk, and they are relying on us to save them. This new “988” phone number needs to be shouted from the rooftops, encouraging our kids to reach out and speak with a caring soul on the other end of the phone before one more beautiful child is lost,” she continued. “As a country, we can no longer sit back and watch this crisis from the sidelines. It’s time for parents, organizations and communities to unite in saving lives. This is no longer an option, it’s an obligation.”
“DAAT-App! is focused on creating opportunities for teens to interact with adults who can serve as mentors when a father-figure is missing in the home. Children need our support, and we are committed to making a change for every community. The DDAAT-APP team is excited about integrating ‘988’ into the app.”
2022 Teen Suicide Statistics (JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(6):604-606. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0069)
• There has been a 4.5-fold increase in suicidal ingestion of medication and drug cases among children between the ages of 10 and 12 since 2000.
• Pediatric emergency department visits for suicidality account for more than 1.1 million encounters per year, and this number has doubled in the past decade.
According to a new gun violence prevention report…
• the rate of young people taking their own lives with firearms in the U.S. has increased faster than for any other age group.
• the youth suicide rate is at its highest point in more than 20 years.
• while firearm suicide overall increased about 2% during the pandemic, the rate among young people increased 15% and nearly half of all suicide attempts by young people involve a gun.
• increased anxiety and depression, likely exacerbated by the pandemic, along with the impacts of social media and cyberbullying are among the theorized drivers.
About DDAAT-App
DDAAT-App! TM is a unique combination of real-time innovative technology, a culturally based engaging and responsive platform , and research-based intervention that was strategically designed to help close the gaps left by the absentee father crisis, to reduce risk factors for depression, school dropout rates, and suicide rates among adolescents. The DDAAT-App! team believes that supporting successful transitions into adulthood encourages the development of responsible citizenship, & stronger communities to heal one city, one county, one school district, one school, one classroom and one child at a time.
Chanda Spates, DDAAT-App’s Founder and CEO created this mobile app following a family crisis when her oldest child attempted suicide because of unspeakable bullying by his classmates and subsequent systematic failure of protection by the local school system, local law enforcement, and local organizations. The systems in our nation consistently fail teens, young adults, and other at-risk populations, over and over again, and this can lead to other suicide attempts as well. DDAAT-App! is proudly supported by Dream Smart Academy, Fice-Apps, and Flourish Foundation Project and Novant Health has signed a letter of intent to partner with DDAAT-App.
To learn more about DDAAT-App!, visit the website at DDAAT-App.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements.” Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the belief that this specific intervention method will make a difference to people in a mental health crisis.
Chanda Spates
DDAAT-App!
+1 (704) 661-3005
email us here
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5 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Community
(Feature Impact) Communities are strengthened every day by local organizations working to address challenges close to home, whether that’s helping families access food, supporting students, expanding opportunity or providing essential resources to those who need them most. Often operating with limited resources, these organizations are finding practical solutions that make a meaningful difference in neighborhoods and communities across the country.
Many of these efforts happen quietly, powered by people who volunteer their time, share their expertise, donate resources or simply help spread awareness of causes they care about.
For individuals looking to make a difference where they live, community involvement doesn’t have to start with a large commitment. Consider these five options to get involved.
Give Your Time
Giving your time is one of the most direct ways to support organizations serving your community. Whether it’s packing meals, mentoring young people or participating in neighborhood cleanups, volunteering allows people to contribute directly while gaining a deeper understanding of local needs.
Share Your Skills
Nonprofits often need specialized skills in addition to hands-on volunteer support. Communications support, technology expertise, event planning, photography, financial guidance and other professional skills can help organizations expand their reach and strengthen their operations. Contributing the skills you’ve developed can often be just as valuable as donating time or resources.
Tap Into Your Workplace
Many employers offer opportunities to support causes that matter to their employees, such as volunteer programs, community grants or other charitable opportunities.
In communities across the country, local nonprofits can receive support through programs like the PepsiCo Foundation’s Community Impact Awards, where employees can nominate nonprofit organizations in their local communities for grant funding. Since 2022, the program has invested more than $3.7 million into organizations working on issues ranging from food access to education and community development.
“Across North America, there are organizations showing up every day for their communities, often without recognition and with limited resources,” said Monica Bauer, SVP of social impact, PepsiCo and president of the PepsiCo Foundation. “The Community Impact Awards help shine a light on organizations that are creating opportunities, solving local challenges and making a real difference in people’s lives. What makes this program special is that the recognition comes from PepsiCo associates who know these organizations firsthand and have seen their impact up close.”
This year, 100 organizations across the U.S. and Canada received $500,000 total in grants and teamed up with their respective nominating employees for volunteer activities supporting their missions, giving employees another opportunity to engage directly.
Give What You Can
Financial contributions are a valuable way to give back, but they aren’t the only option. Many organizations need non-monetary donations such as school supplies, canned goods, clothing, toys and technology. Before collecting items, check with organizations to learn what is most needed and how contributions can make the greatest impact.
Use Your Voice
One person can make a difference. When that person gets a friend or family member involved, more people can discover and support organizations doing important work. Sharing a nonprofit’s mission on social media, inviting others to volunteer or connecting people with causes you care about can help organizations reach new supporters and expand their impact.
Making a difference doesn’t require doing everything at once. Whether you contribute your time, skills, resources or advocacy, small actions can help make a big impact over time.
Across the U.S., nonprofit organizations are helping improve lives, create opportunities and respond to community needs every day. Their work is a reminder that meaningful change often starts locally with people willing to get involved.
Learn more about how individuals and organizations can help address some of the most pressing needs in their communities by visiting PepsiCo.com/about/social-impact.
SOURCE:
PepsiCo
Community
‘Give Like a Kid Again’ for Real-World Impact This Halloween
Costumes. Candy. Jack-o-lanterns glowing on porches. Halloween is filled with moments that spark children’s imaginations. This Halloween, children and families can “Give Like a Kid Again,” turning imagination into kindness and helping children around the world.
‘Give Like a Kid Again’ for Real-World Impact This Halloween
(Feature Impact)Costumes. Candy. Jack-o-lanterns glowing on porches. Halloween is filled with moments that spark children’s imaginations.
This Halloween, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is inviting children and families to “Give Like a Kid Again,” turning imagination into kindness and helping children around the world. For eight decades,the campaign has shown children that even the smallest act of kindness can travel farther than any front porch and shine brighter than any jack-o-lantern. As the longest-running youth engagement campaign in the United States, it has inspired generations of children to discover that when kids help kids, one Halloween tradition can turn into a lifetime of impact.
What started with just $17 in 1950, when a small group of children filled milk cartons with spare change to help children recovering from World War II, has grown into one of America’s most beloved Halloween traditions, raising nearly $200million to help the organization deliver lifesaving support for children around the world. Today, the iconic orange collection box reminds families that small acts of generosity can create lasting change.
“Each Halloween, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF reminds us that even the smallest acts of generosity can grow into something extraordinary,” said Shelley Diamond, chief marketing officer, UNICEF USA. “For more than 75 years, this campaign has shown generations of children that you are never too young to make a difference and ‘Give Like a Kid Again’ is about passing that belief on to the next generation.”
Beyond supporting programs in more than 190 countries and territories, donations strengthen the organization’s global humanitarian supply network, delivering emergency essentials like therapeutic food, medicine, blankets and safe water to children impacted by conflict, disasters and disease.
- Be a mermaid and help make waves for clean water. Help provide safe water for a child for a year for $5.
- Be a vampire and help scare away preventable diseases. World Polio Day, just a week before Halloween, provides an opportunity to protect 200 children under age 5 from polio with a $43 donation.
- Be a scientist and help uncover lifesaving answers. Provide 25 malaria diagnostic tests for just $8, helping children receive timely treatment.
- Be a teacher and help children write their next chapter. Provide 1,000 pencils to help children put their ideas, lessons and dreams on paper for $30.
- Be a chef and help cook up a healthier future. Over a two-month period, $10 can treat 15 children by providing 450 packets of micronutrient powder.
- Be an astronaut and help a girl reach for the stars. To helpsix girls feel confident in school, $36 can provide reusable menstrual pads.
- Be a snowman and help bundle up a child against the cold. A donation of $50 could provide a child in an emergency setting with winter clothing, including a jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, socks, winter boots, a warm sweater and warm puffball trousers.
- Be a soccer player (or referee) and help kick off playtime. Provide up to four packages of soccer balls for a child-friendly space for $25 to help kids just be kids again.
This October, everyone can “Give Like a Kid Again” through the iconic orange collection box, online fundraising and family-friendly activities. Visit unicefusa.org/TOT2026 to join the tradition and help make a difference for children around the world.
SOURCE:
UNICEF
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Community
PenFed Foundation Raises Over $1.2M for Veterans and Military Families at 23rd Annual Military Heroes Golf Classic
The PenFed Foundation says it raised over $1.2 million for veterans and military families at its 23rd annual Military Heroes Golf Classic.
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes said it raised more than $1.2 million to support veterans and military families during its 23rd annual Military Heroes Golf Classic, held Monday, Aug. 31, according to a PRNewswire release. The nonprofit, based in the Washington, D.C. region, focuses on helping veterans transition “from service to success” through programs and grants aimed at military-connected communities.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters whose generosity and dedication make this event—and the Foundation’s work—possible,” said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Bradford J. “B.J.” Shwedo, president of the PenFed Foundation, in a statement announcing the fundraising total.
At a dinner held the night before the Golf Classic, PenFed Credit Union President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck recognized Ed Cody for 25 years of service on the foundation’s board of directors. Cody also serves as chairman of the PenFed Credit Union board and was credited with helping guide initiatives including Defender’s Lodge, the Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, and grants supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members.
The foundation said it has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members, and military families since it was founded in 2001. It also noted that PenFed Credit Union covers salaries and administrative costs, allowing more donations to go directly to programs.
What to watch for: How the foundation allocates the new $1.2M across its veteran transition and emergency support programs—and whether it announces new grant rounds tied to entrepreneurship and resettlement work.
SOURCE PenFed Foundation
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