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Suicide claims the lives of over 1,300 Pennsylvanians each year;
that is an average of 3.5 lives each day. It is estimated that each
suicide directly affects six people. Therefore, over 7,800 Pennsylvanians
become survivors of suicide each year.
Former US Surgeon General David Satcher presented the Call
to Action to Prevent Suicide in 1999 in which he stated that
the problems of suicide and suicide prevention are critical public
health priorities for our nation. The National Strategy for Suicide
Prevention debuted in 2001.
The Advisory committee of the Office of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services (OMHSAS) prioritized a state suicide prevention plan
as one of the major goals for OMHSAS. A work group was formed and
began to meet in July 2005. This prevention plan is a collaborative
effort between those dedicated individuals from both the public
and private sectors of our state. The work group is striving to
raise awareness about suicide and its prevention so that fewer Pennsylvanians
experience the pain and grief resulting from the suicide death of
a loved one.
Pennsylvania Youth
Suicide Prevention Plan
Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Five
Year Action Plan (2007 - 2012)
Pennsylvania Adult
Suicide Prevention Plan
Pennsylvania Older
Adult Suicide Prevention Plan
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
The U.S. Surgeon General and theNational Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention recently released a revised National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2012). Tthe Action Alliance selected four priorities that will help the group reach its goal of saving 20,000 lives in the next five years. The priorities were chosen because of their potential to produce the systems-level change necessary to substantially lower the burden of suicide in our nation. The priorities are:
- Integrate suicide prevention into health care reform and encourage the adoption of similar measures in the private sector.
- Transform health care systems to significantly reduce suicide.
- Change the public conversation around suicide and suicide prevention.
- Increase the quality, timeliness, and usefulness of surveillance data regarding suicidal behaviors.
2013 Suicide Prevention Conference
Proposals are now being accepted for the 2013 conference on “Suicide Prevention: Creating Healthy Communities,” sponsored by the PA Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative and Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition. Proposals are invited for five tracks: youth/transition age, adults, older adults, military/law enforcement, and survivors. Suggested topics include post-traumatic stress disorder, school programs, juvenile justice, religion and suicide, sports, and peer programs. Deadline for presentation proposals is March 29. The conference will be held October 16-17 in State College. Call for presentations
Resources for Military Families
Lilac Springs PA for Combat Vets: Breakaways for Combat Veterans, their partners and families; mission is to make Northwest Pennsylvania the premiere region in the United States for privately supported services for Veterans. More information.
Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative
2013 High School PSA Contest
The PA Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative (PAYSPI) is pleased to announce the First Annual PSA Contest for Youth Suicide Prevention! Youth often have more impact on one another than adults. PAYSPI is using this power to engage youth in developing public service announcements (PSAs) focused on suicide awareness and prevention. These messages may be directed at other youth, school personnel, parents, or other community members. Details about the contest, including official rules, a printable flyer, and the application form. Entries must be received by April 1, 2013.
Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Web Site
The Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative has its own website. The website provides news and information about the ongoing work of the Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative, as well as resources for youth and young adults, family members, survivors, and professionals. A section on local and county initiatives highlights the efforts of county suicide prevention task forces and other community organizations and links people to resources within their local communities. Another section provides training resources on youth suicide prevention. There is also information about the Garrett Lee Smith “Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care” grant projects.
Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium Attracts Large Audience
Video, photos and selected handouts, “Linking Together a Chain of Care,” 2011 Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium
Youth Suicide Prevention Online Training Available
A new training, “Adolescent Suicide Risk Assessment,” written by Dr. Virginia Biddle, Jefferson University, is now available online free of charge. The training was created in conjunction with the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care grant project. The course can be accessed on the website of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Learning objectives include:
- Discuss the role of clinicians in the prevention of suicide.
- Discuss the prevalence of youth suicide.
- Explain why youth suicide occurs.
- Set the stage for an adolescent interview.
- Assess adolescents for suicide risk by inquiring about background risk factors (using HEADSSS) and subjective risk factors.
- Refer adolescents at risk for suicide for the appropriate level of care.
- Discuss possible treatments and how to measure success.
- Assess family needs, strengths, resource, and supports.
While continuing education credits are offered for specifically for pediatric nurse practitioners, anyone can take the course to learn the content.
Adolescent Suicide Risk Assessment (scroll to Mental Health under course categories and click on course title).
Free Kit Available for Workshop on “Suicide Prevention among LGBT Youth”
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), which is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to provide technical assistance and resources on suicide prevention, has developed a free downloadable workshop kit on “Suicide Prevention among LGBT Youth.” The workshop is designed to help schools and other organizations take action to reduce suicidal behavior among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. The kit was developed in response to a significant increase over the past several years in requests for information and training on suicidal behavior among LGBT youth and follows up on SPRC’s 2008 document, Suicide Risk and Prevention ofr Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth.
The kit includes a leader’s guide, two PowerPoint presentations, a packet of handouts, and a brief public service announcement from “Think Before You Speak.” The materials can be adapted and personalized for specific contexts and time constraints. The full workshop takes four hours but can be shortened. The leader’s guide provides helpful instructions and workshop resources.
Youth Suicide Prevention Public Service Campaign Launched
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, along with the Ad Council and the Inspire USA Foundation, launched a new Teen Suicide Prevention national public service campaign. The public service announcement (PSA) campaign—We Can Help Us —empowers teens by reminding them that there are ways to get through whatever problems they face. The campaign includes TV, radio and print advertising, and mall and in-school posters and viral videos. The reachout.com web site features stories from teens, as well as tips to help cops with tough issues and links to resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for teens who need immediate help.
Resources
Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition
Join the Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition
The Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition is continuing to expand its membership base. As the coalition grows we will be looking for regional representatives to partner with in an effort to improve collaboration at the state, regional and local level. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the coalition please complete and return this form. You will be contacted with information about suicide prevention. Membership is free and there is no obligation required from you. Please contact Rebecca May-Cole or Govan Martin, co-chairs of the coalition at info@preventsuicidepa.org for further information. Thank you for your interest.
The Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition created a cause on Facebook. You can join the cause at http://www.causes.com/causes/522733/about and help spread the word about suicide prevention. You can also visit our newly create page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/PA-AdultOlder-Adult-Suicide-Prevention-Coalition/159152657428939.
Visit our new web site: www.preventsuicidepa.org
County Suicide Prevention Task force Information
County Task Forces Contact Sheet
Fact Sheets
Resources
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