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Greetings!

June is Men's Health Month.  In this newsletter, we highlight a special benefit concert for soldiers and veterans in crisis.  Read on for details!

Spotlight on: Men's Health Month

June marks National Men's Health Month which promotes physical and mental health among men and boys and raises awareness of preventable health problems.

Suicide is a serious public health problem, but is also one of the most preventable forms of death.  The highest rates of suicide among any age group are seen among the elderly, specifically elderly men.  Recent reports also indicate that the U.S. Military, roughly 80% male, is now reporting some of the highest rates of suicide among soldiers and veterans in it's history.   

CrisisLink provides a range of support services for seniors, soldiers and veterans suffering from depression, thoughts of suicide, and other mental health issues.  

Seniors, soldiers, and veterans in crisis can call CrisisLink's Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. 

Support Soldiers & Veterans in Crisis
Benefit Concert for Soldiers & Veterans in Crisis
Kick off your summer with CrisisLink.  Join us on Wed., June 9 from 6-11pm at the Clarendon Grill for a benefit concert to support soldiers and veterans in crisis.  The Sandbox Kings, winner of DC101's contest to create a new Washington Capitals goal song, will headline the show!  Bobby Thompson & the Magical Voyagers and Reed Dibeler will also perform.   

Buy your tickets today!

Support Seniors
CrisisLink's CareRing program is an important suicide prevention program for seniors. Through daily phone check-ins, CrisisLink's trained volunteers monitor the mental and physical well being of our clients in order to identify warning signs early and help clients and their families get help if necessary.

To download an enrollment application for CrisisLink's CareRing Program, please click here.

To become a volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor and make daily CareRing calls, please click here

Benefit Concert for Soldiers & Veterans in Crisis



Upcoming Events...Sandbox Kings
Conversations with Doug Damon
Hotline Crisis Counselor Doug Damon talks about CrisisLink's CareRing Program for seniors.CareRing

What is the CareRing program?

"The CareRing program offers elderly or disabled persons a prescheduled daily call to check their welfare and notify friends, family members or the authorities if they can't be reached as scheduled. The regular calls offer enhanced peace of mind as well as a connection to the outside world for many homebound individuals."

Why is CareRing an important community service?

"In my personal opinion, the service has become even more critical due to the state of the economy and cutbacks in government programs for the elderly and disabled. These calls allow us to ensure others that their friend, relative, or loved one is OK and knows that someone cares. Each call is another step toward keeping minor issues from escalating into major emergencies."

Click here to read the full interview

Recognize the Signs...
Depression is not a normal consequence of aging

Risk Factors for Depression Among Seniors:
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Reduced sense of purpose
  • Health problems
  • Medications
  • Fear of death or dying
  • Recent loss of a spouse or loved one
Signs & Symptoms of Depression:
  • Sadness
  • Fatigue
  • Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Weight loss; loss of appetite
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of self-worth
  • Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please call CrisisLink at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Picture of the Month
A big thanks to the students of Thomas Edison High School for making this year's Got Hope Walkathon a huge success! 

Got Hope Walkathon

Students and community members came together at this year's 4th annual Got Hope Walkathon at Thomas Edison High School.  The walkathon was created in 2006 in response to several tragedies within the Edison community.  Proceeds from the walk benefit CrisisLink and the American Cancer Society. 

Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers are heroes to CrisisLink and the community.

Here are two upcoming volunteer opportunities:

"Get Ready Fairfax" - Sat., June 5 
Click here to learn more

Benefit Concert to Support Soldiers & Veterans in Crisis - Wed., June 9
Click here to learn more

Please click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities.
Media Corner
Recent news related to CrisisLink's mission

Reuters: "Suicide a risk in Retirement, Nursing Communities"

USA Today: "Mental care Stays are up in Military"

Visit our News & Trends page for links to these--and other--news items of interest.
 
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Hear from volunteers, staff, and frtiends about why CrisisLInk is important to them.
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Watch The Link
CrisisLink's Monthly TV Show

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The Link is a production of CrisisLink made possible by the generous support of volunteers and Arlington Independent Media.

The Link is available online and airs on Arlington Public Access TV twice a week:
  - Sundays @ 10:30 a.m.
  - Fridays @ 10 p.m.


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