Orange County to create suicide prevention office
The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently approved – unanimously – the creation of an office focused on suicide prevention. Between 2014 and 2018, there was an average of 330 deaths by suicide per year in the county; that number has increased over the last couple of years. The Patch provides more details.

CHOC partners with Mater Dei to enhance wellness on campus
During a year marked by change and uncertainty, Mater Dei High School and CHOC are partnering to bring enhanced wellness and mental health services to students. As part of the partnership, a CHOC licensed psychologist, post-doctoral fellow and doctoral student will collaborate with school administrators and staff in designing a robust wellness program, in addition to finding innovative ways to provide mental health services to teens.

Stress-busting tips for kids
The pandemic has increased feelings of stress in adults and children, alike. While it’s common for school-aged kids to exhibit changes in behavior as a result of stress, some youth may demonstrate physical symptoms, such as headaches and tummy aches. This guide from the California Surgeon General provides guidance on what to look for and stress-busting strategies to help kids cope with challenging times.

Mental health toolkit for children
CHOC’s mental health team gathered helpful resources on mental health topics common to children, and they are available in this easy-to-search online toolkit. Topics are organized by audience, including parents and school staff members. Many resources are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Research: health courses could help students develop positive stress mindset
New research revealed that some college students who engaged in health education benefitted from changed perceptions of stress. The impact varied based on personality types. Researchers said next step is discovering what approach would be helpful to all students.