Globe Gazette
Officials lament program loss to screen for teen depression
December 1, 2012
By Deb Nicklay

MASON CITY — Local educators and mental health professionals say they are concerned that Teen Screen, a program that helped identify more than 400 North Iowa students grappling with issues of depression and suicide, will soon end.

Columbia University, which developed the screening tool, will no longer allow use of the program after Dec. 14.

It has been used in North Iowa since 2006, and conducted under the auspices of United Way of North Central Iowa.

On Nov. 15, the university posted a short statement on its website and emailed participating agencies and schools.

“We are sorry to inform you that the Teen Screen National Center will be winding down its program at the end of this year. Accordingly, we will no longer train or register new programs.

“We will provide updates on the Teen Screen website for a limited time with respect to any other screening programs of which we become aware.”

The university also directed users to resources about teen mental health screening.

No reasons were given for the discontinuation.

The abrupt end of the program brings to a close a valuable tool, officials say.

“Teenage mental health issues are real and they are serious,” said Lake Mills High School Principal Jim Scholbrock.

At a time when bullying in schools is a concern — which can often lead to depression and suicide, according to research — “we are losing a program that helps adults help kids in jeopardy,” he said.

Scholbrock said his staff and fellow administrators in North Iowa school districts deem the screening so important “that we will do what we can to keep the program … if that is even a possibility.”

The screening, which was voluntary, was provided to students by professionals trained by Columbia.

A paper screening is administered to students, usually in the ninth or 10th grade. Answers identify students who may require further evaluation with a clinician or mental health professional.

Trained debriefers and professional clinicians, who volunteer their time, meet with the students after their screenings to discuss their answers and, if needed, refer them for mental health services.

Ironically, this is a rare case where funding is available but the program itself is not available.

“We have heard nothing” in way of explanation as to why the program has ended, said United Way Director Jennifer Kammeyer, clearly frustrated with the news.

She said the program had shown it works, was evidence-based and grounded in good research.

“We had two more schools coming on board this spring. We got an email and that was it.”

Kammeyer said the local program was unique.

“As far as I know, we were the only United Way doing anything like this,” she said.

Today, from an initial screening in five North Iowa schools in 2006, 16 schools were on the list to have students screened this school year. Depending on the school’s choice, students in eighth to 11th grade are screened.

“Over time, that has meant 155 of our Mason City students were identified as perhaps needing some help — students we might not have seen otherwise,” said Mason City Superintendent of Schools Anita Micich.

She agreed with Scholbrock that it is odd the screening is ending at a time when bullying issues are in the limelight, citing the governor’s Anti-Bullying Summit held last week.
“We hate to lose such a valuable tool,” she said.

Mark Dodd, clinical director at Prairie Ridge Addiction Treatment Services, coordinated the program for several years. He said he was very disappointed when he heard the program was discontinued.

“It came as a shock. It is our great hope that someone else may try to take over the program,” he said. “No other option like Teen Screen exists.”

“It not only did what it intended … it really helped to connect schools with the behavioral health community” to help kids, Dodd said.

“That is really what will be lost.”

A request for more information about why the program was terminated was not answered by the university on Friday.

Gov. Terry Branstad once served on the national advisory board for Teen Screen.

His office, however, said the governor withdrew from the position once he took office, according to Tim Albrecht, communications director.