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NEWS FROM
CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE
August 13, 2009
Cambridge Health Alliance Offers Elder Suicide Loss Support Groups
Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere, Somerville,
MA…Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) announced today it has introduced
a new program focusing on elder suicide prevention. With funding
and support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
CHA is organizing facilitated peer suicide loss support groups for
elders, serving seniors from Everett, Malden, Medford, and Revere,
to assist those who have experienced suicide in their family or
circle of friends and help address their needs and concerns.
In 1998, the Surgeon General identified suicide as a national problem
and suicide prevention as a national priority. The elderly are at
particular risk, as those over 65 represent the age cohort with
the highest suicide rate. Each suicide is believed to affect a minimum
of six additional people, who in turn may find themselves at higher
risk for depression and despair.
CHA's new elder suicide loss support groups aim to help impacted
seniors find meaningful comfort and support. Facilitated by a trained
licensed social worker, the free groups are not therapy but, rather,
a safe place to share feelings and concerns. Working with its community
partners, CHA has located the groups in convenient, comfortable,
and accessible community locations, such as Council on Aging facilities
and local religious institutions. The support groups are structured
around material and curricula provided by the American Foundation
for Suicide Prevention and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
To join a group or get further information, please contact Peter
Young, LICSW, at 617-591-6704.
Cambridge Health Alliance is an innovative, award-winning
health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville,
and Boston's metro-north communities. It includes three hospital
campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, the
Cambridge Public Health Dept., and the Network Health plan. CHA
is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated
with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine,
and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit us online at www.challiance.org.
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Media Contact
David Cecere
Media Relations Manager
Phone: 617-503-8428
Cell: 617-921-9613
Pager: 617-546-1879
dcecere@challiance.org
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