May 2015
In this 9 minute interview, Dr. Suzanne Button, Assistant Executive Director, Quality & Clinical Outcomes, sits down with Will Baylies, the host of Afternoon Drive on 98.1 WKZE. The interview presents helpful information for parents and family members with questions regarding mental health. The conversation focuses on Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated nationally each May.
(times are approximate)
- The history behind Mental Health Awareness Month and how Astor is helping to end the stigma surrounding mental health (:45)
- Astor’s overall mission and history is discussed, starting with how Astor began in 1953 (1:45)
- Dr. Button discusses all of the services we provide, including early childhood programs, day treatment programs, residential treatment centers, outpatient mental health clinics, etc. (2:22)
- The importance of early recognition and early intervention with youth (3:08)
- The stigma surrounding mental health is still there — it has lessened over the years; however, with children especially, parents and guardians are hesitant to get their child screened and do not want their child “labeled” (3:42)
- Professional athletes are openly discussing their mental health struggles, which in turn is helpful for boys and teenage boys (4:19)
- Currently in our country, the third leading cause of death in children over the age of 10 is suicide. Astor wants to emphasize the importance of adults, mentors, teachers, grandparents, etc. in a child’s life. (5:00)
- Reaching out and naming a concern cannot make things worse. Research shows that being proactive and asking a child how they are helps rather than hurts. (5:54)
- Dr. Button spotlights our Early Recognition Screening Program, which is an open access, quick, free of charge screening available to all children aged 3-21 in Ulster and Dutchess Counties (6:55)
- We learn that 17% of children in America have some sort of emotional or behavioral struggle. Recognizing this and being proactive will always help rather than hurt. (8:14)
98.1 WKZE is an independent radio station that provides eclectic, originally-produced music for discerning listeners in NY’s Hudson Valley.
Important links:
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- Astor’s Hudson Valley Early Recognition Screening Program –
Learn more about this program. - Astor honors Mental Health Awareness Month
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