The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73217

Capri-Mara Fillmore, MD, MPH, MSc, City of Milwaukee Health Department and Medical College of Wisconsin, 841 N. Broadway, 3rd Fl, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3653, 414 286 3521, cfillm@ci.mil.wi.us

Epidemiological studies report that up to 2.5% of children and up to 8.3% of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from depression. In Milwaukee, Adolescent School Health Program (ASHP) nurses identified a need for further mental health prevention/early intervention. The Milwaukee Health Department worked with local mental health clinics and school officials in Milwaukee to find acceptable screening tools to administer (the CESD for pregnant/postpartum teenagers and CDI for other students). A mental health community-accepted algorithm helped define roles of people involved in referrals and counseling. Five local clinics agreed to help underinsured students free of charge. Among 518 students screened, 85 students (16.4%) were found likely to be depressed, and of these, 4 had emergency referrals and 12 utilized or were recommended to the free referral to the local mental health clinics. Creation of the referral algorithm and the process of involving community mental health groups in a coalition to provide free care will also be described.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe why mental health services were considered to be an important priority for the Adolescent School Health Program in Milwaukee.
• Discuss the process of involving school counselors and local mental health groups to support the program, including a presentation of the referral algorithm.
• Analyze and present results to-date of depression screenings.

Keywords: Depression, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment with Milwaukee Health Department and Medical College of Wisconsin