In the wake of several suicides in the United States by teenagers who have been bullied by classmates, Behavioral Health Associates continues its anti-bullying initiative with a special free presentation.

"In & Beyond the Schoolyard - Addressing Bullying as a Community Issue" will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. onWednesday,at Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1.After the presentation, attendees will be able to speak to representatives from key mental health agenciesincluding Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol, Mental Health/Disability Services, Crisis and POWER, as well as Behavioral Health Services.Presenters will include Carbon County Deputy Chief Juvenile Court Officer Kimmy Mulik and Dr. Helene Katz, a licensed staff psychologist with Behavioral Health Associates and Laura Schiffer: Economics teacher at Lehighton Area High School, SAP team member, School Wide Behavioral Interventions & Support and Aevidum adviser.The presenters will identify warning signs that indicate your child may be a victim of bullying. They will discuss action steps one may take when your child is being bullied in the community; an overview of what one school is doing to stop bullying and information on the national initiative Aevidum and steps to take for suicide prevention.Katz encourages all parents, teachers, caregivers, skilled workers and professionals who work with school-age children to attend. Community members are also urged to attend.There will also be a question-and-answer session for attendees.For more information, call Behavioral Health Associates at 610-379-0067 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Behavioral Health Associates is a nonprofit health care foundation based in the greater Lehighton area.