“We handed out more than 1,300 informational cards on mental illnesses and the importance of annual mental health check-ups,” said Ariel Mindel, director of public education and disaster mental health at Mental Health America of Illinois. “Of the 68 people who participated in screenings, we recommended follow-up for 16. We also had a veteran score very high for suicidal ideation. He thanked us for the information and resources we provided.”
This is just one of the many examples of what made National Depression Screening Day® (NDSD) 2010 one of the most successful to date. Due to the hard work of hundreds of people at organizations nationwide, depression screenings rose significantly this year.
Diligent planning, publicizing, and preparations led to more than 339,000 mental health screenings so far in 2010. Not only was there an increase in screening numbers, there was also a significant increase in the number of screening sites. 545 organizations offered in-person screening events this fall, a 25% percent increase from 2009. Both in-person and online screening sites continue to register daily.
As thousands of people across the country logged on or dropped in for a screening, the media was taking note. National Depression Screening Day was featured in hundreds of publications nationwide. Many organizations reached out to local newspapers and television stations, and were featured in interviews, articles, and blogs.
“We conducted this screening for seniors and our local ABC affiliate covered the event,” says Dr. Elaine Ducharme, licensed psychologist and public education coordinator for the Connecticut Psychological Association. “We held the screening as part of a partnership with the American Psychological Association and the National YMCA’s of America. We actually had a film crew from APA tape the entire event for a couple of joint projects with the Y. We also conducted another depression screening at the Y with a group run by their fitness director on healthy eating.”
The importance of screening for mental illness is never limited to one day. As in-person screening event numbers are tallied, online screenings will continue, year-round.
For many organizations, online screenings provide key insight into constituent and member needs.
“It is a wonderful tool for outreach and education,” says Beverly Randall, executive director at Mental Health America in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. “Other agencies have included a link to our website simply because we have the online tool.”
Screening for Mental Health® continues to offer unlimited, year-round, anonymous online screenings for mood and anxiety disorders, alcohol use disorders, and eating disorders. Each organization that utilizes SMH’s online screening can customize their online module with their logo, company colors, and a personalized welcome and referral message, directing users to the appropriate treatment resources. Online screenings make it possible to keep the momentum of National Depression Screening Day alive, 365 days a year.