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Central Standard

Unparceled Land; Teen Suicide

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Perfectionism, bullying, depression and social media are a few of the stressors teens constantly face in today's society. As the number of teen suicides in Kansas City reach record levels, we speak with school councilors and health experts to learn why rates are climbing in the metro and how to help prevent suicides.

But first, a discussion on undeveloped land in suburban areas. What happens when the desire to turn unused land into roads and schools collides with the desire to keep things natural?

Guests:

  • Hank Stelzer, forestry specialist, University of Missouri Extension
  • Steve Arkin, co-founder, SpeakUp.Us
  • Mara Rose Williams, education reporter, The Kansas City Star
  • Molly Ticknor​, mental health services director, Kansas City Public Schools
  • Edward Scott, social worker, Kansas City Public Schools

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available toll free, 24/7, at 1-800-273-8255.

Matthew Long-Middleton has been a talk-show producer, community producer, Media Training Manager and now the Community Engagement Manager at KCUR. You can reach him at Matthew@kcur.org, or on Twitter @MLMIndustries.
As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.