In a bold initiative to combat the alarming rise in student suicides, Project EASE (Emotional Assessment of Students by Educators) has emerged as a beacon of hope in Andhra Pradesh. With a staggering 13,044 student suicides recorded in India in 2022, the need for proactive intervention has never been more critical.
Led by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and spearheaded by Dr. Ravi Kolli, Project EASE has already trained over 1,000 medical students within 50 days across seven colleges. This groundbreaking project, endorsed by the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, aims to address the dearth of mental health resources and awareness among educators and medical professionals.
The initiative employs the QPR gatekeeper training, endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Government of India's National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Dr. Aparna Vuppala, Director of Project EASE, emphasizes the significance of early intervention, stating, "Friends, family, teachers can help if they know how to recognize and respond to suicide risk."
Collaborating with Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) and Andhra Pradesh State Council of Educational Research and Training (APSCERT), Project EASE envisions training 3 lakh students, teachers, and health workers. The cascading system ensures a wide-reaching impact, focusing on at-risk youth in intermediate classes first.
Nelson Vinod Moses, CEO of Suicide Prevention India Foundation, applauds the initiative's evidence-based approach, hoping it sets a precedent for other states. The project not only provides gatekeeper training but also tackles stigma through Mental Health 101 and Emotional First Aid.
"This project was started after Honorable Sri YS Jaganmohan Reddy Garu said he wanted to address student mental health. We worked on developing a comprehensive program based on his input to prevent suicides and improve mental health. We are happy this has started and received a good response," says Dr. Vasudeva Reddy, NRI Medical Affairs Advisor, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
As the project gains momentum, it marks a pivotal moment in prioritizing student mental health, with the potential to save countless lives. Project EASE is not just a program; it's a lifeline for the youth, and its ripple effects could reshape the landscape of suicide prevention across India.
