Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. Studies show that as many as one in eight adolescents suffer from depression, yet most of these struggling teens receive no counseling, therapy, or medical intervention. The consequences of untreated depression can be increased incidence of depression in adulthood, involvement in the criminal justice system, substance abuse, or in some cases, suicide.

To examine this issue and share what Girls Inc. is doing about it, Girls Inc. of the Island City's Women of the 21st Century Club is hosting a speaker event themed "Mental Health and Teen Depression." The event will take place Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Girls Inc. Meyers Center, 1724 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda. The cost is $10 at the door for members and non-members and $5 for teens.

Nancy Salamy, Executive Director for Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, will be the guest speaker. She will talk about the signs and causes of teen depression, the possible consequences, and the ways parents, teachers, and organizations like Girls Inc. can help struggling teens become more resilient against this disease.

Also appearing will be girls in Girls Inc.'s "Blueprint: Preventing Teen Depression" community activism program, who are working to educate their peers about this problem. The program was started at the suggestion of teens who participated in Girls Inc.'s Girls Take Charge Summit last year.

For more information, contact Development Director Kristin Butler, (510) 521-1743 or kbutler@girlsincislandcity.org