CCSi News & Information

Edwin S. Shneidman, a pioneer in the field of suicide prevention and a prolific thinker and writer who believed that life is enriched by contemplation of death and dying, has died. He was 91.

LA Times Story

American Association of Suicidology Links & Tributes

CCSI has launched a mobile device compatible website. This abbreviated website contains an agency description, contact information and the names and numbers to the various hotlines. The website was kept limited and simple to ensure compatibility with as many mobile devices as possible. Visit the new CCSI Mobile website from your mobile device at http://m.communitycrisis.org

Community Crisis Services, Inc. is partnering up with the Prince George's County Mental Health Advisory Committee, the Prince George's County Community Policing Institute and the Prince George's County Crisis Response System for a Four Hour Program called "I have this friend".

Today's world of economic changes has created challenges for all of us. Service provider personnel, such as barbers, hair stylists, and bartenders may be the first to see this impact through daily contact and conversations with customers. Service providers are being invited to attend a workshop that can assist in recognizing individuals in need of support, whether through improved listening skills or providing appropriate community resources.

Topics to be covered:
* Practical Communications Skills..."What to say when you don't know what to say."
* When to provide information and referral to patrons
* Networking and developing a "Community of Concern."

If you would like to attend, please call the Crisis Response System at: 301-429-2185 and give your name and organization.

We look forward to seeing you on May 18, 2009 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Prince George's County Community Policing Institute, 4380 Forbes Blvd, Lanham, MD 20706.

The Citizen’s Common Sense Swine Flu Checklist
If you have a Flu-Like Illness Including:
Fever > 100ºF (37.8ºC) AND Cough OR Sore Throat
AND
History of travel to an affected area within 7 days of illness onset
OR
Contact with an ill person fitting the above travel description
within 7 days of illness onset
Then Stay Home and CALL your Doctor

IF no link to affected areas or travelers from affected areas, but you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms – STAY HOME and recover, unless you have the following worrisome WARNING SIGNS.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

IN CHILDREN

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

IN ADULTS

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness or confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

Common Sense Precautions Include:

* Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
* Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
* Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.
* Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
* Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.

Information obtained from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For more information, visit their website at http://www.governor.maryland.gov/flu/index.html

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 around 12:15 EST President Obama will announce the administration’s Foreclosure Prevention Plan. Secretary Donovan (HUD) and Secretary Geithner (Treasury) will be at the press conference in Phoenix as well.

Information fact sheets are available to the public at www.financialstability.gov. Additional information is available at the U.S. Department of Treasury website at http://www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/.

We will be posting more information as it becomes available.