For Your Consideration
“Recent federal numbers indicate that the nation’s suicide rates are the highest they’ve been since World War II,” says a new article from TIME exploring how hospitals and doctors are shifting their mindset to deal with rising suicide rates. Particularly alarming is the increase in suicide among young people: “among people ages 10 to 24, the rate increased 56% from 2007 to 2017, according to federal data from October 2019.”
The article highlights a number of tactics hospitals are employing and seeing success in, most of which relate to screening and keeping in touch with at-risk patients. One mental health center in Tennessee, Centerstone, made screening for suicide mandatory and regularly follows up with patients designated as at-risk. Since making these changes, the rate of suicide deaths at Centerstone has dropped 64% in two years. Read the rest of the article here.
Food for Thought
A new report from the Milken Institute’s Center for the Future of Aging explores how cities and communities can address the growing population over the age of 60 and what that means for economic development, housing, city planning, and more. The report contains a mix of recommendations and case studies on three topics:
- Including and prioritizing age diversity.
- Leveraging data and technology to better understand the needs and desires of aging populations.
- Engaging public private partnerships to integrate population aging into strategies for economic growth and resiliency.
The report highlights a pilot project in Raleigh called “More Than a Meal Phase 3,” which is exploring how to integrate health and safety screenings into meal delivery services for older adults.
Need to Know
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What we're reading
How the gender gap in STEM might get its start in elementary school
A new study based on Wake County shows the gender gap in STEM careers may start in elementary school. Fewer girls were recommended and selected for Wake County's advanced math program despite similar math test scores. ... Read the rest-
Why Rhode Island’s Governor Is Taking Over Providence’s Public Schools
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New Battery Design Can Charge an Electric Car in 10 Minutes
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Parents can help kids catch up in reading with a 10-minute daily routine
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Is there a responsible way forward for gene editing?
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As Local News Outlets Shutter, Rural America Suffers Most
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Sorry—organic farming is actually worse for climate change
