EDC recognizes that mental health and well-being are the foundation for a productive, satisfying life. Our projects assist schools, health care professionals, and communities in addressing this issue, and stretch across the continuum from prevention to treatment. EDC also researches the relationship between mental health and other risk behaviors, such as substance abuse, violence, and suicide. Among our mental health programs is the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) which provides prevention support, training, and resources to assist organizations and individuals in developing suicide prevention programs, interventions, and policies to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
EDC is using social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook to share information about health promotion and disease prevention.
A large-scale EDC study shows that cyberbullying is associated with psychological distress and poorer school performance.
High school students who are victims of cyberbullying and school bullying are more likely to report elevated mental distress and lower school performance, according to a study conducted by EDC researchers to be published online November 17 by the American Journal of Public Health.
EDC is facilitating a policy development project to promote mental health assessments and improve access to mental health services for youth suspended or expelled from California schools. After an analysis of current school district policies on suspension and expulsion from data and focus groups, EDC will determine policy and program recommendations that enable students to receive necessary mental health services in an effort to reduce dropout rates and disparities in access to services.
EDC will develop a range of educational and communication materials to address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries under a five-year contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD.
