Shore House presentation Safe Keeping: Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention a Success

(From left: Dr. Lee, Jim Romer, Danielle Gasperini, LCSW, and Dr. Christine Tinitorer)

Thursday evening, over 40 community members, parents, and school staff attended the Safe Keeping presentation facilitated by Shore House. The presentation focused on raising awareness about suicide among teens and young adults within Monmouth County. The panel of experts in the field of mental health provided an informative discussion about the warning signs of suicide, preventative measures, and resource information.

Dr. Andrew Lee, Director of Counseling and Psychological Service at Monmouth University, gave an overview of campus mental health today, campus support services, and resiliency. Dr. Christine Tinitorer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, provided statistics on teen suicide, discussed the fear of taking medication, and the treatment options available for teens. Mr. Jim Romer, Clinical Director of Emergency Crisis Services at Monmouth Medical Center described Early Intervention Support Services, stigma, and the advantages of coming forward early on to prevent more disruptive options. Mrs. Danielle Gasperini, LCSW, Program Director for Children’s Mobile Response, spoke about the signs and symptoms, how to help someone in crisis, and a brief overview of the program.

A Question & Answer segment immediately followed the discussion. Questions posed by attendees spoke to the desire for a more open dialogue about this topic. Audience members received handouts and resource information to help increase their knowledge about suicide prevention.

About Shore House: Shore House is a membership organization dedicated to providing resources and
supportive services to people with mental illness so that they may have a fulfilling
life, including access to employment, education, housing, health care, and the
opportunity to be productive, contributing members of their community.