INAL is pleased to host another Teen Mini-Conference on October 28, 2009.  In February 2009 Lighthouse hosted over 105 Virginia Beach high school students at our Teen Mini-Conference.  We also welcomed 78 school staff and mental health professionals.  The overwhelming success of this conference was evident from the positive feedback we received from conference participants.

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Calvin Nunnally (see bio below).  Mr. Nunnally will be training attendees in the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model of intervention when you suspect a friend or family member may be depressed or at risk for suicide.

Outcome measurements are built into all of our education and prevention efforts.  Evaluation responses from students at the February 2009 Mini-Conference indicate the positive impact of the event:
o    98% of participants in the teen mini-conference indicated they had learned new facts           about depression and suicide at the event.
o    100% indicated that they understand the connection between depression and suicide.
o    86% indicated they know how to reach out to a friend who is depressed.

INAL has targeted outreach to students in high school.  It is our belief that education and awareness provides ripples into our community.  These students go home to their families, informed and prepared to recognize warning signs and symptoms or depression and suicide.  They are also empowered to intervene.  By arming high school students, we are preparing them for the independence of college, where the risk of depression and suicide is significant.