Dr. Debra Koss to speak on helping children cope with traumatic events

NEWTON — Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Debra E. Koss, MD, of Sparta will present "When Bad Things Happen: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events" on Wednesday, May 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Conference Center of Newton Medical Center.

This free event for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is being co-sponsored by the New Jersey Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (NJCCAP), the Sussex County affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Morris/Sussex Family Support Organization, and Newton Medical Center's Behavioral Health Services.

“Psychiatrists are becoming more and more aware of the impact of trauma on children and teens," says Dr. Koss, who, in addition to her private practice in Sparta, is the past president of the New Jersey Council of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. “It's important for us to inform parents, teachers and others who work with children about the need for early intervention and treatment when kids have experienced a traumatic event."

In addition to the lecture, local agencies will be available to provide literature and information about services they offer for families struggling with childhood or adolescent emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.

The program will be held at Newton Medical Center's Conference Center, which is the white building to the right of the main hospital building, 175 High Street in Newton.

Seating is limited, so pre-registration is requested. To register, call the Family Support Organization at 973-940-3194.