Thanksgiving is awesome - it forces me to be aware of good things happening in life. An example in my family is that my older son and daughter-in-law are hosting the celebration this year. I am grateful for the extra time this gives my wife, Nancy, and me with them and with our younger son. 

In my work, AWI has partnered with the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology    (MSPP) and Rotary to fund and deliver the Rotary International Wellness Project, which will improve kids' knowledge, attitude, and behavior (or skills) related to their mood and wellness. It was launched concurrently here in Massachusetts and in Puerto Rico. I am grateful to Dr. Nadja Reilly (Associate Director of the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at MSPP) who designed and delivered the program, in English and Spanish, at four schools! I am also grateful to the former Secretary of Health for Puerto Rico, Dr. Johnny Rullan, for assuming the role of project manager; he coordinates with Dr. Reilly, the schools and the Rotary clubs in that country as I do here.

The wellness project content is innovative, shifting away from waiting for kids to get sick to instead give every healthy kid better mood awareness and regulation.    Every 22 kids practicing better coping skills prevents 1 case of depression. This is important because depression is the #1 cause of disability worldwide; depression is also the most common factor in suicide.

The delivery is also innovative, where kids can access content directly as well as through teen mentors, parents, educators, and health care providers. Content is available for:

• kids to access directly in the virtual Wellness  Center (www.MSPP.whyville.net)
• teen mentors through the Rotary Club of  Wellesley (www.wellesleyrotary.org)
• parents through their local Rotary club in participating communities or through the project sponsor, the Rotary Club of Wellesley
• school leaders and health care providers through Boston Children's Hospital  (www.BreakFreeFromDepression.org)

Please mark your calendar for Jan. 22, when Dr. Reilly will speak at the AWI Winter Blues event (6-8pm, Wellesley College Club) to share an update on the Rotary International  Wellness Project. I am also delighted that a teen mentor will speak about the work of INTERACT and that Dr. David DeMaso, the Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Boston Children's Hospital speak about a key element of prevention, self-awareness. An event not to be missed! I do not know if my new friends from Puerto Rico will come to Wellesley  to experience our Winter Blues but I hope  everyone near Boston will join me (click here for details).

I hope you enjoy a terrific Thanksgiving!