NASW Co-sponsors National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) — October 7, 2004

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is once again co-sponsoring National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on October 7, 2004. The goal of NDSD is to screen the public for a range of mood and anxiety disorders in an effort to provide solutions for the 54 million Americans, and their communities, affected by mental health disorders.

A new activity for NDSD sites this year is the ability to register for Community Response—a flexible year-round tool that allows sites to screen patients and community members online via a password-protected website with a customizable welcome message and referral. Community Response screens for depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol problems. Sites that register for Community Response will receive a free kit of materials to conduct in-person screenings.

In addition to the NDSD screening tool, this year's NDSD Community Kit includes a new, expanded Clinician's Guide; a range of educational materials, including new information about anxiety and the physical symptoms of depression; videos and posters; and a planning guide with tips on planning and promoting an NDSD event. The program offers materials designed for diverse audiences, including Spanish speakers and older adults.

Continuing education credits may be available to participating clinicians who complete a brief self-education component. NASW encourages members and/or chapters to register for NDSD by downloading registration materials at www.mentalhealthscreening.org or call (781) 239-0071.

Biographical information about the couples represented by the ACLU as well as legal documents filed in the case are available at http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRightslist.cfm?c=101