Project Safety Net is a collaborative community network held together by a common interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto. Our mission is to develop and implement a community-based mental health plan that includes education, prevention and intervention strategies that together provide a “safety net” for youth in Palo Alto, and defines our community’s teen suicide prevention efforts.

Project Safety Net Highlights and Events

PSN Community Screening- Bay Area Premiere of “Last Summer,” A Film by Andrew Baer & Biola Film Students
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
5:00 pm-7:00 pm
5:00-6:00 pm- Film Premiere
6:00-7:00 pm- Aspiring Film Makers Forum with producer Andrew Baer
Palo Alto Arts Center Auditorium
1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto
Free Admission with RSVP! 
Please join us for the Bay Area premiere of “Last Summer,” a short film produced by filmmaker, Andrew Baer.  Baer is also known for his work co-directing the award winning short film “Unmasked,” when he was a senior at Palo Alto High School. “Last Summer” was developed and created in collaboration with Biola University film students. Download the community screening invitation here!

“Last Summer” features the story of high school teen, Olivia Summer.  After the death of her older brother Ezra, Olivia struggles to find purpose in her life. With college applications coming up, Olivia is not on track for success and has a strained relationship with her loving grand mother whom she lives with.  When a fellow classmate, Dylan, makes unwanted comments about Ezra’s implied suicide, Olivia gets into a fist fight with him. The school counselor suspends Olivia for three days and encourages her to think about what she wants to do with her life after graduation.

2018 LGBTQ Youth Report 
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and University of Connecticut released the largest of its kind survey of more than 12,000 LGBTQ teenagers across the nation, revealing the persistent challenges so many of them face going about their daily lives at home, at school, and in their communities. View the LGBTQ Youth Report here.

Recently Released: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Signs Report- “Suicide Rising Across the US”
Suicide rates have been rising in nearly every state, according to the latest Vital Signs report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In 2016, nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 or older died by suicide.  Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and just one of three leading causes that are on the rise.

• Vital Signs: Trends in States Suicide Rates- United States 1999-2016 and Circumstances Contributing to Suicide 27 States, 2015
• CDC Vital Signs Fact Sheet- Suicide Rising Across the US

Project Safety Net’s 2018 Calendar of Events!
Our 2018 Calendar of Events features dates for upcoming outreach events and PSN Community Meetings. Learn what we have planned for the year and save those dates!

Updated! HEARD Alliance Toolkit for Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention K-12
In September, 2016 the State of California enacted into law the “Pupil Suicide Prevention Policies” requirement, AB2246. This Toolkit has been revised in order to support this law. It is meant to be used as a resource for schools as they implement their Pupil Suicide Prevention Policy.

The content of the Toolkit is drawn from State and National guidelines and from current research and recommendations regarding youth mental wellness and suicide prevention. The goal is to ensure that California schools can participate fully in their broader community’s effort to prevent youth suicide. Information about what schools can do to promote youth mental wellness before mental health concerns arise, how to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis, and how to support a school community after a suicide loss is included.  Click here to access the latest version of the toolkit. 

“13 Reasons Why” Resources & Information

Project Safety Net is pleased to offer the following digest of resources in response to the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why.”

13 Reasons Why, Season 2
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health & Santa Clara County Office of Education “13 Reasons Why” Season 2 Notification Letter to Parents and Educators

Pre-Release Statement from Experts on the Upcoming Release of “13 Reasons Why,” Season 2

Press Release: International Coalition of Experts Issues an Alert Regarding the Release of “13 Reasons Why, Season 2”

13RW Work Group
An international coalition of leading experts in healthcare, mental health, suicide prevention, and education called the 13 RW Work Group came together to develop messaging and resources regarding “13 Reasons Why” for parents, educators, clinicians, youth and media to help guide young viewers through tough subject matter.  Please visit their website: www.13reasonswhytoolkit.org

Webinar- Responding to 13 Reasons Why: Recommendations for School Personnel
Suicide prevention experts have raised numerous concerns about the television program “13 Reasons Why.” The program depicts the struggles of an adolescent named Hannah who dies by suicide. Many viewers have been binge watching the program which can increase the intensity of their experience. This webinar outlines those concerns and provide practical information for how school personnel can respond to support students who have or are currently viewing the program and provide them with accurate information about suicide and sources of assistance.  Specific recommendations for parents and the appropriate ages for youth viewing the program are also shared. Webinar presenters include Scott Poland, Ed.D., professor at NSU’s College of Psychology, a nationally recognized expert on youth violence, suicide intervention, and self-injury and Kathy Espinoza, Assistant VP of Ergonomics and Safety at Kennan & Associates and principal architect of the Kennan SafeSchool and SafeColleges training program. Project Safety Net hosted a community viewing of the webinar on May 31, 2017. To access the complimentary webinar, click here.

• 13 Reasons Why- Resources by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Some Thoughts About the Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why
  • Tips for Parents for Talking with Their Children About 13 Reasons Why and Suicide
• 13 Reasons Why: A Discussion Webinar- Presentations and Resources via Kognito
  • PSN is pleased to share helpful information regarding the “13 Reasons Why” Netflix series, and best practices for discussing the show with your children and community.
    • 13 Reasons Why Talking Points co-authored by SAVE.org and the JED Foundation
    • 13 Reasons Why Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
    • National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)- Additional Resources and Publications
    • Responding to 13 Reasons Why- Webinar Slides
    • Link to Responding to 13 Reasons Why- Webinar Recording

Project Safety Net News

• PSN Community Meeting- Supporting & Partnering with LGBTQ+ Youth: What It Truly Means To Be An Ally
  In commemoration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, PSN featured community leaders/LGBTQ+ allies to discuss their work supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and shared what they’ve learned from youth regarding what it means to be an ally. Presentations were delivered by Joel Siapno, RN, co-chair of the Palo Alto Unified School District’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQQ) Committee, Sarah Burdge, PhD, Clinical Director of Adolescent Counseling Services’ program Outlet, and PFLAG member Jerry Underdal.
  • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 06-27-18
  • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 6-27-18
  • PAUSD LGBTQQ Committee PSN Presentation
  • OUTLET LGBTQ Ally Presentation
• PSN Community Forum- May 23, 2018- A Discussion with Advocates: Opportunities for Improving Youth Well-being through Policy and Advocacy
  Leading advocates representing local, state, and national organizations highlighted opportunities to support legislation that seeks to improve youth well-being and suicide prevention.  Presentations were delivered by community leaders representing organizations, such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Palo Alto Family YMCA, the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Program, and Young Minds Advocacy.
  • PSN Community Forum Agenda- 5-23-18
  • PSN Community Forum Slide Deck 5-23-18
  • Palo Alto Family YMCA Youth & Government Presentation
  • Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Presentation
  • AFSP Priority Bills List 2018
  • YMA Handouts- Ladder of Participation
• PSN Community Meeting- April 25, 2018- Innovative Approaches to Youth Wellbeing
  Mary Hofstedt, Ed.M., Community Engagement Director of Challenge Success delivered a presentation on her organization’s work, and how their programs are implemented in schools to promote a broad definition of success so that students are healthy and engaged with learning.  Palo Alto’s new chief of police, Chief Robert Jonsen introduced himself to community members, and shared his priorities for the Palo Alto Police Department.
  • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 4-25-18
  • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 4-25-18
  • Why Challenge Success? Changing the Conversation to Support Student Wellbeing & Engagement
  • Presentation by Chief Robert Jonsen 4-25-18
  • Partner-In-Action Overview- Challenge Success- 4-25-18
  • Brief Biography- Robert Jonsen, Chief of Police

• PSN Community Forum- March 28, 2018- Youth Mental Health Care Services- Youth Intensive Outpatient Programs: A Community Snapshot
  Local representatives from youth-serving mental health organizations provided overviews of their Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), and shared their thoughts on future opportunities for improving youth mental health.
  • PSN Community Forum Video 3-28-18
  • PSN Community Forum Agenda 3-28-18
  • PSN Community Forum Slide Deck 3-28-18
  • ACS- Overview of Intensive Outpatient Programs
  • Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Care Services- Navigating Intensive Outpatient Programs
  • El Camino Hospital- After School Program Interventions and Resiliency Education (ASPIRE)
  • Bay Area Clinical Associates- Intensive Outpatient Programs
  • Children’s Health Council- Intensive Outpatient Programs 3-28-18
  • Community Forum Featured Organizations- 3-28-18
  • Community Forum Featured Speaker Bios- 3-28-18

• PSN Community Meeting- February 28, 2018- “Portraits of Mental Health & Wellbeing”
  At this community meeting, PSN featured a special Partner-In-Action presentation by Sarah E. Kremer, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board Certified Art Therapist, and PhD Candidate. Ms. Kremer shared her doctoral project involving a collaboration between Notre Dame de Namur University, Acknowledge Alliance, and Stanford University Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing, and led an interactive experiential activity for meeting participants, giving them an opportunity to create their own Portrait of Mental Health using digital tools. The presentation opened up a discussion on the benefits of art therapy, and its role in promoting mental health.
  • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 2-28-18
  • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 2-28-18

• PSN Community Meeting- January 24, 2018- “Sustainability & Resiliency”
  As a follow up to November’s convening, this community meeting was focused on discussing sustainability and resiliency, as it relates to PSN’s collaboration development and coordination work.  The backbone team also provided a review of PSN’s program work in 2017, and shared a 2018 Calendar of Events. Leif Erickson, Executive Director of Youth Community Service (YCS) announced two job openings at his organization.
  • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 1-24-18
  • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 1-24-18
  • Participant Handout – Sustaining Collective Impact
  • PSN Calendar 2018- 1-24-18
  • Parent Coordinator – Youth Connectedness Initiative
  • Youth Coordinator – Youth Connectedness Initiative

• PSN Community Meeting- November 29, 2017
  On November 29th, Project Safety Net featured Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) as PSN’s Partner-In-Action. Christy Hayes, CASSY Executive Director and Jessica Clark, CASSY Site Coordinator presented the organization’s work throughout the region and the services they provide to Palo Alto Unified School District students K-12. PSN Executive Director Mary Gloner also shared “Sustaining Collective Impact,” a video webinar from the Collective Impact Forum. Materials from the meeting can be accessed below:
  • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 11-29-17
  • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 11-29-17
  • CASSY Presentation 11-29-17
  • Sustaining Collective Impact Presentation

• PSN Community Forum- Developmental Assets in Palo Alto: A Community Context-
  October 25, 2017
  On October 25, Project Safety Net hosted a forum featuring an overview and discussion with community leaders of the Developmental Assets survey findings for Palo Alto. Meeting materials can be accessed below:
  • PSN Community Forum Agenda 10-25-17
  • PSN Community Forum Slide Deck 10-25-17
  • Project Cornerstone Presentation- Developmental Assets in Palo Alto
  • PAMF/Sutter Presentation by Becky Beacom- Value of Developmental Assets and Data to Student Well Being
  • 2017 Palo Alto Unified School District Developmental Assets Survey Results

• PSN Community Meeting- September 27, 2017
  • On Septeber 27, PSN Youth-In-Action partner and Gunn High School sophmore Meghna Singh presented findings from her self-directed research project “The Life Trajectories of Palo Alto Unified School District Alumni.” Partner-In-Action Children’s Health Council’s Laura Keller provided an overview of CHC’s Youth Mental Health Navigation Project, and obtained community feedback. PSN Executive Director Mary Gloner provided Executive Director’s report and round-up of Suicide Prevention Awareness & Action Month.
    • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 09-27-17
    • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 09-27-17
    • Life Trajectories of PAUSD Alumni
    • Youth Navigation Project Overview

• PSN Collaborative Action Teams Meeting- August 23, 2017
  • On August 23, Nadia Ghaffari, founder of TeenzTalk.org was featured as PSN’s Partner-In-Action. Ms. Ghaffari shared information about the Teen Wellness Conference that will be held on September 30th. Executive Director Mary Gloner provided an overview of PSN 2.0 activities to date, and initiated a discussion with community members regarding prioritizing strategies for Year 1 of the 2017-2020 Road Map/Strategic Plan.
    • Collaborative Action Team Meeting Slides- 08-23-17

• PSN Community Meeting- June 28, 2017
  • On June 28, 2017, The LGBTQ Youth Space was featured as PSN’s Partner-In-Action. Vivian Nguyen, PSN’s Social Justice Intern was spotlighted as a Youth-In Action for her “May is Mental Health Awareness Month” art project. Executive Director Mary Gloner provided an update on PSN 2.0, sharing a preliminary list of Collaborative Action Team partners, and the activities they identified as key priorities for implementing the PSN 2.0 Road Map/Strategic Plan.
    • PSN Community Meeting Agenda 06-28-17
    • PSN Community Meeting Slide Deck 06-28-17

• Collaborative Action Teams Meeting Kickoff- May 24, 2017
  • On May 24, 2017 Project Safety Net hosted a collaborative learning session on the Collective Impact Workgroup Tool Kit and community members activated 4 Collaborative Action Teams: (1) Community Education, Outreach, and Training; (2) Youth Mental Health Care Services; (3) Policy and Advocacy; (4) Evaluation and Shared Measurement. Materials from that meeting can be accessed below:
    • Collaborative Action Team Meeting Agenda 05-24-17
    • Collaborative Action Team Meeting Slides 5-24-17
    • Collaborative Action Team Breakout Notes- 5/24/17
    • How to Lead Collective Impact Working Groups
    • 5 Methods for Moving Fast

• Project Safety Net 2.0 Rollout- Presentations Available!
  • On March 29, 2017 Project Safety Net convened a special planning meeting to discuss future goals and objectives for 2017-2019.  Materials from that meeting can be accessed below:
    • PSN 2.0 Community Meeting Agenda
    • Collective Impact Overview
    • PSN 2.0 Community Meeting Slides

• Epi-Aid Investigation in Palo Alto Update:
  • On March 22, Project Safety Net hosted a community forum to discuss the final Epi-Aid report, including findings specific to Palo Alto. Presentations from that meeting can be accessed below:
    • PSN Community Survey- Presented by Becky Beacom, Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health
    • Santa Clara County Epi-Aid Briefing with additional Palo Alto information- Presented by Pamela Stoddard, Santa Clara County Public Health Department
      
  • The CDC Epi-Aid  final report was released on March 3rd.  It is posted on the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health website with a message from its public health director Dr. Sara Cody. A response to the final report from PSN Executive Director Mary Gloner can be viewed here.
  • Epi-Aid Community Coordinating Committee is co-chaired by the Santa Clara Public Health Department and Project Safety Net.  The committee represents five jurisdictions: Community, Education, Government, Healthcare Systems and Members-at-Large.  The committee’s primary objectives are the following: (1.) Review preliminary and final CDC/SAMHSA reports (2.) Develop and execute dissemination plan for CDC/SAMHSA reports and (3.) Review CDC/SAMHSA recommendations. Download the latest Epi-Aid CCC member list.

• Palo Alto Community Survey: Because the Epi-Aid could not include new data collection in the field, Project Safety Net implemented a community survey in Palo Alto to better understand local perceptions around youth suicide and prevention, which they will share with all partners involved in the Epi-Aid process. The survey reached 1,825 individuals with 1,582 who successfully completed it. Of those who completed the survey, 1/3 were students and nearly 50% were adult residents.

• Youth Conversations: PSN also partnered with the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto to hold conversations with youth involved in suicide prevention activities, which will similarly be shared with all involved.

• Youth Voice/Youth Advocacy:
  • Read Gunn High School’s The Oracle on their “Changing the Narrative” series that tells personal stories of strength, hope, healing and growth. Read Paly student and Campanile Lifestyle Editor, Aiva Petriceks’ article “Changing my narrative: discovering the value of counseling.”  Read an op-ed from a Palo Alto teen for Palo Alto Online “Guest Opinion: Unmasking the truth — Beyond the stigma of mental illness.”
  • The documentary “Unmasked” created by Gunn and Paly students that explores teen mental health in Palo Alto has been chosen “Audience Choice Winner”  at the Student Filmmaker Awards.
  • Learn about Paly and Gunn High School’s peer support program Sources of Strength (SoS) and Paly’s LETS Bring Change 2 Mind, a student-led club initiative that allows all teens the opportunity to learn and explore more about mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment. Contact Jonathan Frecarri to get involved at jfrecceri@pausd.org. Read a past article on SoS from NPR on why it’s an effective peer support program.

• Means Restriction: Learn about the City of Palo Alto’s “means restriction” efforts to limit access to the railroad tracks. Research has shown that “means restriction” is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. The safety improvements are being done in conjunction with Caltrain. Safety improvements include fence installation and enhancements, vegetation and brush removal, and the piloting of an intrusion camera detection system.  Read the latest research study from the Mineta Transportation Institute that reviewed current efforts of commuter railroads to reduce or prevent suicide on railways and discussed preventative activities affecting rail related suicides.

Featured Resources

• Please visit our new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page about teen mental health, our community efforts on teen suicide prevention and fostering youth well-being.  Read PSN Partner Meg Durbin’s guest opinion in the Palo Alto Weekly, “Community embraces responsibility to help our youth.”

• What can parents do right now to decrease the risk of suicide in their children?
  by Adam Strassberg, M.D. (Guest Opinion:  Keep Calm and Parent On)

• How to help someone in crisis
  by Dr. Meg Durbin, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Dr. Shashank V. Joshi, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, on behalf of the executive committee of the HEARD Alliance.

Featured Websites for Teens

	Outlet Outlet is an LGBTQQ Youth organization based in Mountain View, California. As the Peninsula’s only comprehensive LGBTQQ Youth organization, including bilingual Spanish language services, they work with local communities to support and empower LGBTQQ Youth.
	ReachOut.com Reach Out is run by the Inspire USA Foundation.  Inspire’s mission is to help millions of young people lead happier lives.
	ACS Adolescent Counseling Services empowers teens and their families in our community to realize their emotional and social potential through counseling and preventive education.
	The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the leading National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.