ACS to Host Community Forum on Teen Bullying

“Breaking the Stigma: Bullying” will be open to the community and broadcast live on Public Access

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), a community-based nonprofit agency dedicated to the healthy social and emotional development of teens, will host “Breaking the Stigma: Bullying” on Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

The event will be held from 9:00pm to 10:00pm at the Media Center, located at 900 San Antonio Road in Palo Alto. The forum will also be broadcast live on Public Access.

The forum series called “Breaking the Stigma” was implemented by ACS as a way to combat the stigmas surrounding teenage mental health issues.  Previous forum topics have included teen depression, substance abuse and sexuality.

In addition to ACS, the forum is cosponsored by the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC), Outlet, Foundation for College Education (FCE),  and Youth Community Service (YCS). ACS Executive Director Dr. Philippe Rey will moderate the forum which will feature mental health and education professionals, including ACS On-Campus Counseling Program Director Roni Gillenson, CHAC Executive Director Monique Kane, Outlet Program Director Eileen Ross, and Jordan Middle School Principal Michael Milliken.

Dr. Rey encourages anyone interested in the issue of bullying to participate in the event. “I think it is really important that we are talking about this, especially given the recent tragedies which have brought national attention to the issue of bullying,” said Dr. Rey.  “Teens are living in a very different world today where bullying isn’t just limited to school walls. I hope that this forum provides a safe space for both teens and family members to ask questions, address concerns and become more educated on this important topic.”

“Breaking the Stigma: Bullying” is open to the public but space is limited. To reserve a seat at the forum, attendees must e-mail Curtis Hill at curtis@acs-teens.org with their name and the names of any additional guests.

For more information about ACS, call (650) 424-0852, email info@acs-teens.org or visit ACS online at http://www.acs-teens.org.

About ACS

ACS’s mission is to empower teens and their families in our community to realize their emotional and social potential through counseling and preventive education. Established in 1975, ACS relies on the generosity of the community to offer critical interventions and mental health services to over 3,000 individuals annually, building a better future for tomorrow.  ACS offers year-round services to San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties through its On-Campus Counseling Program, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program, and After-School Counseling Program.

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