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| About Adolescent Wellness |
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Adolescent Wellness, a non-profit 501c3 organization, was founded to simplify prevention of depression and suicide in adolescents.
A primary activity is creating awareness of depression prevention resources. The Journal of the American Medical Association publishes depression prevention study results confirming through randomized control trials that prevention of depression works well for adolescents (JAMA. 2009;301(21):2215-2224). Prevention is not analogous to inoculation, where a one-time course or quiz prevents depression and prompts for earliest treatment. Rather, it is developing resilience incrementally by activities appropriate to a person's emotional maturity. Schools may obtain curricula from Childrens Hospital Boston, McLean Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Another activity is piloting programs for duplication by other communities. Participants are parents, educators, clergy, scout leaders and coaches. Work is underway with teen leadership programming on resilience and referral through supportive key adults.
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About the logo:
Pacific northwest coast totem poles include the halibut to symbolize Life Protector, Strength and Stability. |
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Adolescent Wellness helps overcome barriers to action such as:
- conflicting advice
- concern over creating problems
- time constraints
- uncontrolled content
- budget constraints
- insufficient health resources
To overcome conflicting advice, we collaborate with premier institutions for research and treatment.
As to creating problems, earlier action prevents or minimizes crises.
Time constraints are severe so goals and objectives are clearly defined to allow integration with existing health programs.
Organizations desiring controlled content can define the prevention goals and the lesson plans.
Regarding budget constraints, materials are available for use by existing staff. Materials and training are affordable.
Recognizing that health resources are scarce, a 'tool kit' for use by the existing staff is available and tips are provided regarding external referral options. Prevention and earlier management of depression will help reduce the gap between the availability and the demand for health resources.
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Adolescent Wellness distributes information and workshop schedules for educators, teen leaders, parents, clergy, coaches and scout leaders.
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The IRS has determined that Adolescent Wellness is a 501c3 tax-exempt public charity. Individuals giving to Adolescent Wellness may deduct contributions when itemizing on the tax return. The IRS Letter of Determination may be viewed and printed by clicking on that phrase to the right. |
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IRS Letter of Determination to Adolescent Wellness
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| Funding for Adolescent Wellness comes from individual donors. We are also grateful to Abt Associates of Cambridge, MA for providing this website. |
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