Suicide Prevention Grant Awarded to Agencies Dedicated to At-Risk LGBTQ Population in Maricopa County
Local Collaboration To Promote Connectedness For Suicidal Prevention

SURPRISE, AZ, December 08, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Maricopa County LGBT Consortium facilitated a collaboration of EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center (EMPACT-SPC); 1n10; the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight, Education Network, Phoenix Chapter (GLSEN Phoenix); and Cultural Sponge which was awarded $195,000 in Federal grant monies to promote community connectedness through strategies, resources and programs to reduce suicide risk among Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Questioning Youth (LGBTQ) in Maricopa County.

"This population is disproportionately at risk in so many ways, including suicidal ideation, attempts and completion. It's critical we address this tragedy, and in partnership with GLSEN Phoenix, Empact-SPC and Cultural Sponge we'll be doing just that over the next 12 months," said 1n10 Executive Director Nick Ray.

Beginning in December, the collaborative will develop and implement suicide prevention programs and resources focusing on the LGBTQ population in Maricopa County, ages 18 years and older in the areas of: public education and social marketing, family support and education, youth leadership development, and a statewide leadership conference.

"One of the unique aspects of our effectors will be to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults within the context of their families and communities encouraging the use of these natural supports through educational and supportive services," said GLSEN Phoenix Board Member Mike Carr echoing one of the prevention themes adopted by the Center of Disease Control, "Promoting individual, family, and community connectedness to prevent suicidal behavior."

According to 2010 Facts & Figures on Suicide by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, "An American dies by suicide every 15 minutes, and more than 34,500 die by suicide every year." The risk among the LGBTQ community is especially acute.
"LGBTQ youth and young adults face unique challenges which require specific and targeted suicide prevention efforts; partly due to the culture of bullying, hostility, and violence which takes place against community members," said EMPACT-SPC Associate Director of Crisis Services Nicki Bartram. "We are all excited to be a part of what we hope will be lifelong work."

Crisis situations can be directed to the Phoenix Q-Line, a 24-hour crisis hotline and information referral for Phoenix-area LGBTQ youth and their families at 480-736-4925 or 1-800-5CRISIS (27-4747).

The Collaborative:

1n10
1n10 has been providing a safe environment for LGBTQ youth and their allies between the ages of 14-22 to receive support, education, community resources and develop positive self-acceptance through life enhancing programs for the past 17 years.

EMPACT-SPC
La Frontera Arizona/EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center, is a community-based 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a broad continuum of behavioral health services.

GLSEN Phoenix
Accredited by GLSEN National in October 2002, GLSEN Phoenix is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization with a mission of developing the awareness, policies and leadership necessary to ensure that K-12 schools are safe and effective learning environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Cultural Sponge
Cultural Sponge, www.culturalsponge.com is an established marketing, graphic design and social media company that has become known for working on many LGBTQ based events and nonprofit business work such as Phoenix Pride, Phoenix AIDS Walk, One Voice Community Center, Maricopa County LGBT Consortium, One Community, HRC, San Diego Pride and many others.

Maricopa County LGBT Consortium
The Maricopa County LGBT Consortium is a coalition working to "develop and sustain a healthy LGBT community in Maricopa County." With over 60 agencies represented, the Consortium works to reduce health disparities both physical and behavioral within our community. To support this work, the Consortium identifies funding streams for our community partners and engages collaborative grant applications to support our mission.

Press Release Contact Information:

Heather Brown
Cultural Sponge
Founder
16772 W Bell Road, Suite 110-169
Surprise, Arizona
USA 85374
Voice: 602-930-1031
Website: Visit Our Website