Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. A government report states that 3 million American teenagers thought seriously about suicide and about 1 million attempted it. That same report adds that only 36 percent of teens have received treatment or counseling.

Behavioral Health Associates addresses high-risk children and suicide prevention with a special presentation in partnership with the Jim Thorpe Community Watch Program. It will be held Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, 101 East 10th Street Jim Thorpe. This is a FREE seminar and everyone is invited.Dr. Helene Katz, a licensed staff psychologist with Behavioral Health Associates and key organizer of BHA's county-wide anti-bullying and suicide prevention initiative, will provide a myriad of information including statistics and factors related to suicidal ideation, attempts, and completion; warning signs; risk factors, and protective factors for depression and suicide. Dr. Katz will provide vital information that will assist in: identifying and supporting those at risk; clarifying assumptions about depression and suicide; reviewing management and treatment of patients who are suicidal or at a high risk for suicide; and responding to unhelpful statement and how to avoid making them.Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko, Jim Thorpe Community Watch President Jamie Solomon, and Jim Thorpe police officer Eric Schrantz will be present to make additional remarks. A brief question and answer session will follow the presentation.Behavioral Health Associates is a non-profit healthcare foundation based in the greater Lehighton area.