The Su***de Prevention Awareness & Resource Council (SPARC) is a group of concerned citizens, professionals, and partner agencies who convene with a common goal of reducing the number of su***des in our area. Our goal is to increase help seeking behaviors and raise awareness about available mental health (MH) supports and resources in our area. Data drives our chosen initiatives, which are designe
d to address our area’s specific demographic needs. Region Ten’s Su***de prevention logic model drives SPARC initiatives. SPARC members have also agreed to support and staff a local su***de prevention awareness walk each year. The SPARC walk is planned for October 22, 2016. The primary fund raiser of the group is anticipated to be the SPARC Hope walk each year. Other initiatives, as outlined in the logic model, include distribution of su***de prevention materials, tabling events, trainings, community events and support of other health and wellness initiatives. We anticipate being dynamically responsive to our community in this arena. Based on our logic model and community need we have been given funds by DBHDS for specific initiatives related to our su***de prevention strategies. Our regional su***de prevention program also allocates funds each year toward our national su***de prevention week activities, slated for each September. Committee members include Region ten staff (each locale is represented), Virginia Department of Health representatives, local police, community members, Mental Health America staff, faith-based community members, and our regional Su***de prevention coordinator.
