Crisis centers (N=2) had statistics of callers identified by race. Findings indicate differences between the white and black callers with regard to age, marital status, and type of problem. This kind of information suggests a need for expanded services within the crisis enter center framework, possibly for a more preventive approach. (Author)

Worker and caller behaviors are studied and compared in sample of 100 suicide calls to three crisis intervention centers. Verbal behaviors of workers and callers are substantially different, leading to the conclusion that crisis intervention is dissimilarly practiced between centers but similar within them. (Author)

This editorial comments on a study (EC 614 974) concerning interviews with children suspected to be victims of sexual abuse which eliminated interviewer bias and possible leading questioning. It supports further research into the effectiveness of "blind interviews" but also urges major changes in arrangements for obtaining children's evidence on…

Discusses the place of the sciences and health care professions in Catholic education, and the moral and ethical issues that are attached to the professions. Argues for the inclusion of spiritual discussion in public life, including the field of health care. Discusses challenges teachers face in addressing ethical reflection in a technological…

Centerstone Community Mental Health, a private nonprofit agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, has responded to community needs by establishing new service programs to address them with whatever funding is available. Three described here are: an alternative school for students who cannot make it in public schools, school-based mental health…

Research seeks to determine key elements in sustainability of projects to reorient an aspect of their service to an early intervention approach in mental health. Findings confirm literature on capacity building which suggests several crucial predictors of success in changing the ways agencies run. These include the development of interagency…

Evaluates the usefulness of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a routine measure to screen for emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents referred to a community child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). Results reveal that the SDQ is sensitive in detecting emotional and behavioral problems and may…

Native leaders are providing education and care for people with HIV despite funding cuts, ignorance about HIV, and greater tribal concern about other issues. Yet, issues are complex and include reluctance of Native Americans to be tested; lack of accurate information about HIV incidence, particularly in rural areas; misconceptions about HIV; lack…

This pilot study aimed to establish the psychiatric morbidity in children remanded to prison custody using an age appropriate instrument, the K-SADS. The 19 boys interviewed showed high rates of affective disorders, substance misuse and conduct disorder. Study highlights the need to develop child and adolescent mental health services for children…

Offering hypertension screening within the Black community in a convenient, nonthreatening environment can aid in reduction of morbidity and mortality attributable to high blood pressure in Black men. This article describes a successful pilot program which used volunteer barbers to perform on-site hypertension screening for their customers. (IAH)

Discusses an 8-year follow-up study to a smoking prevention program for 13- to 15- year-old students, who were taught the skills to resist pressures to start smoking. Consistent evidence of preventive effects was found among those students who had been non-smokers when the program began. (Author/JS)

A variation of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) for use in a needs assessment with key informants is described. The Missouri Department of Mental Health's planning staff, using the NGT, compiled key decision makers' perceptions of regional needs. The NGT helped in prioritizing the issues for each region. (TJH)

Major approaches to school-based substance abuse prevention for adolescents are reviewed, and school organizational issues for the implementation of such programs are considered. The need for multi-level interventions including parents, the community, and the media is discussed. Three models of school-based substance abuse prevention programs are…

A conceptual framework is presented as a guide to defining starting points for primary prevention of behavioral and emotional disorders. Selected approaches reflecting these concepts are reviewed, and implementation considerations within the school setting are discussed. (SLD)

The emergence of education as the best measure to counter the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome carries with it certain consequences for the health education profession. This article discusses 10 actual or potential consequences the disease holds for the profession. (JD)