On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at Mongkutphet Room, Kosa Hotel, Khon Kaen, Mr. Theerasak Teekayuphan, Mayor of Khon Kaen City Municipality, delivered a special lecture on "The Implementation of the Teacher-Doctor-Parent Project: A Collaborative Effort for the Sustainable Mental Health Service System for Children and Adolescents in Khon Kaen City Municipality." This lecture was part of the "Mental Health Shield for Youth" Project, which focuses on supporting students at risk of depression and suicide in schools. The initiative is a collaboration between: Northeastern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health Center 7 Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office Khon Kaen Hospital Khon Kaen City Municipality Khon Kaen Provincial Education Office Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Khon Kaen Teacher-Doctor-Parent Project The Mayor introduced the Teacher-Doctor-Parent Project, a joint effort between: Khon Kaen City Municipality’s Education Office Northeastern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute Khon Kaen Hospital Since 2015, the project has aimed to help students with learning difficulties by providing: A supportive learning environment to improve students’ well-being Stronger collaboration between teachers, doctors, and parents Mental health knowledge for teachers and parents Screening and early intervention for children with learning or mental health issues The project has contributed to reducing social inequalities and fostering happiness among students, classrooms, families, and society as a whole. Mental Health Shield for Youth: Addressing Depression & Suicide Prevention This initiative aims to enhance mental health services for at-risk adolescents in schools. Rising Depression Rates: Between 2021-2023, the number of 12-18-year-old adolescents diagnosed with depression in hospitals across Health Region 7 (Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, and Kalasin) doubled. Leading Cause of Hospitalization: Depression was the #1 reason for inpatient admissions at the Northeastern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute. Alarming Suicide Statistics in Khon Kaen (2023): 225 adolescents attempted suicide, 193 of them were students. 3 students died by suicide, 1 of whom was enrolled in school. Developing a School-Based Support System The project aims to: - Connect schools, families, and healthcare services for prevention and treatment. - Train educators and public health officials to identify and assist at-risk students. - Expand access to mental health support for students. Training Participants The session was attended by 180 participants, including: Public health personnel from the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office Education personnel from Khon Kaen City Municipality Officials from the Provincial Education Office and Secondary Educational Service Area Office Expert Support & Collaboration The project is supported by specialists from: Northeastern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital Khon Kaen Hospital Mental Health Center 7 This initiative represents a significant step toward improving student mental health services in Khon Kaen, reducing depression and suicide risks, and creating a sustainable, collaborative support system for youth.