About the Commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in the Missouri Department of Mental Health (MODMH) - #Catherine Daisy Coleman August 04th 2020 - #Michael Ayele (a.k.a) W October 26th 2013

Despite operating facilities like the Sexual Offender Rehabilitation & Treatment Services (SORTS) and having concluded contracts with Missouri Girls Town, the Missouri Department of Mental Health (MODMH) have failed to make clear whether they consider sexual violence as a factor that has the potential to increase the risk of suicide. They have also failed to make clear whether the personal health information (PHI) of a person similarly situated to Catherine Daisy Coleman would reflect that risk. As of this writing, it remains unclear for the AACL what the obligations of the MODMH pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) actually are. The MODMH were extremely vague to requests submitted by the AACL on the subject of [1] whether they have in the past disclosed the PHI of an individual in circumstances, where discrimination was at play (for the purpose of remedying the discrimination); [2] whether they were in the past required to disclose the PHI of an individual either to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or the courts (for the purpose of remedying the discrimination). According to the MODMH, “when someone you know is in emotional pain, ask them directly: ‘are you thinking about killing youself?’ Research suggests acknowledging suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation. Asking the question in a direct, unbiased manner communicates that you are open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Other questions you can ask include, ‘How can I help?’ and ‘what can we do about this?’. Asking these questions can open the door to honest communications to learn what next steps need to be taken. Often, we don’t know the challenges others face on a day-to-day basis.” Michael Ayele (a.k.a) W was a previous employee of the MODMH. He has in 2013 worked for the Fulton State Hospital (FSH): a component of the MODMH. FSH is located approximately two miles away from Westminster College (Fulton, Missouri). The FSH and Westminster College have concluded an affiliation agreement. Michael Ayele (a.k.a) W is an alumnus of Westminster College. As you may be aware, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an event established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). Suicide accounts for 1% (one percent) of deaths globally. An estimated 703,000 (seven hundred and three thousand) people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 (twenty) other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day/Month, the AACL very much encourages productive and constructive conversations on the subject of mental health and suicide. Be well. Take care. Keep yourselves at arms distance. W (AACL) Michael A. Ayele Anti-Racist Human Rights Activist Audio-Visual Media Analyst Anti-Propaganda Journalis