Local students from Manchester and Bedford high schools participated in Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Project ECHO third of ten learning sessions. Project ECHO is a tele-mentoring model. Virtual technology is used to support case-based learning and provide education. The participants are from NH and Vermont and are high school counselors, nurses, administrators and teachers and students. Participants learn from experts and each other. This session’s topic was depression. Students listened to Dr. Julie Balaban, the subject matter expert, discuss what depression looked like and incidents across age groups and genders. Participants on the video conference were then given time to ask questions of Dr. Balaban. The next part of this session was based on case studies or questions from two pre-determined participants. Our students chimed in to offer their comments and suggestions from a students perspective. These students could offer valuable insight as subject matter experts in their own right. Students trained in suicide prevention were able to identify risk factors and highlight warning signs. Students not trained-yet, were eager to understand signs and symptoms of depression and when to report. This ‘all teach- all learn’ approach is a valuable and empowering experience for our youth.
The next sessions and topics will be:
March 3rd Self-Harm/Suicide
March 17th Anxiety
March 31st School Avoidance
April 7th Substance Abuse
May 5th Vaping
May 19th Student Wellness
June 2nd Peer-2-Peer Support
