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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
Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Observed at Capitol
On September 27, 2011, the Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative and the Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition held a Suicide Prevention Awareness event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. Various community organizations participated, and a press conference was held featuring speakers representing youth, transition-age youth, adults and older adults. Representatives Gene DiGirolamo, chair of the Human Services Committee, and Tony Payton, subcommittee chair for mental health, also spoke. An Empty Shoe Memorial was displayed, representing all those who lives have been lost to suicide. The House of Representatives passed a resolution urging “the residents of this commonwealth to support the volunteer agencies that work to educate the public on the symptoms and risk factors associated with suicide and to provide support services dedicated to prevent suicides.”
Selections from the Awareness Day press conference and photos
Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative
Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium Attracts Large Audience
A Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium was held on September 21, 2011 in Harrisburg on “Linking Together a Chain of Care: The Pennsylvania Model of Youth Suicide Prevention.” During the morning sessions, the audience heard an update on the status of the National Suicide Prevention Plan, ten years later, as well as a report on the completion at the end of September of the three-year Garrett Lee Smith grant project in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties and the beginning of a new project in eight additional counties in the Southeast and Southwest. Afternoon breakout sessions were organized in three tracks: primary care, schools and community, and behavioral health. Topics included medication management of adolescent depression, ethical and legal issues in the treatment of youth who are suicidal, integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care, cognitive behavioral therapy and attachment-based family therapy for youth who are suicidal, dealing with the aftermath of a suicide both personally and in the community, and depression and suicide among sexual minority youth. In addition, a group of students from Aevidum, a youth-led suicide prevention organization from Lancaster County, and their faculty advisor spoke to a packed audience about how youth are being empowered across the state to raise awareness about depression and suicide.
Video, photos and selected handouts from the symposium
Radio SmartTalk on Youth Suicide Prevention
 On August 17, youth suicide prevention was the topic on WITF FM’s Radio SmartTalk call-in show. Guest panelists were Dr. Matt Wintersteen, Jefferson Hospital and a co-coordinator of the Garrett Lee Smith grant project, and Joe Vulopas, executive director of Aevidum, a student-founded suicide prevention organization based in Lancaster County. Listen to the archived broadcast.
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.
Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Web Site
The Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative has its own web site. The site is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Pediatrics’ Child Death Review Team. When the state developed a youth suicide prevention plan in 2001, it adopted the goals of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention as its own, the first of which is to "promote awareness that youth suicide is a public health problem that is preventable." This web site helps to achieve that goal.
The web site 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. There is also information about the Garrett Lee Smith “Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care” grant being implemented in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties.
Resources
Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition
REGISTER NOW!
Suicide Prevention Forums
The Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition, through the Long Term Living Training Institute, invites you to participate in an educational forum to learn more about suicide as well as collaboration with the community to prevent suicide, reduce the stigma associated with suicide and support those touched by suicide.
Audience: Professionals in human services fields and others interested in suicide prevention.
November 2, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Clarion
$35 registration fee includes workshop, breaks, and lunch
Registration form
For more information or to register online visit: LTLTI - Long Term Living Training Institute Of Pennsylvania
Suicide Prevention Updates
In the Spotlight!
The Capitol Awareness Event was a huge success. The Adult/Older Adult team partnered with the Youth team to host a joint event to spread awareness about suicide prevention. Partners from around the state joined together inside the Capitol and held a press conference and awareness event to promote PA’s efforts to prevent suicide. There were speakers from across all ages who shared their personal story about suicide. There were also many agencies that provided exhibits including, PMHCA, Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition, the Clubhouse Coalition, and youth groups including Aevidum. And finally, Corporal Govan Martin was interviewed by WGAL news, appearing on the morning news.
Training Opportunities
Looking for a QPR Trainer? Contact the Coalition at 717-541-4219 if you are interested in hosting a session. There are many occurring across the state! Become a “Gatekeeper!”
Forum Information Reminder
There will be a forum on November 2, 2011 to assist counties in strategic planning events for suicide prevention. NOVEMBER 2, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Clarion, 45 Holiday Inn Rd, Clarion, PA 16214, (814) 226-8850.
There is a $35 registration fee which includes workshop and lunch. Register online at www.ltltrainingpa.org.
Local and Statewide Highlights
- We are also holding a SPSP (strategic planning for suicide prevention) training on October 26 in Scranton at the NE OMHSAS Field Office.
- Schuylkill County: The Out of the Darkness Walk was held September 17 at the Hometown Farmer’s Market honoring lives lost to suicide.
- Montgomery County:
Human Services sponsored a suicide prevention event September 9 and an open house event to create awareness in Montgomery County. The Suicide Prevention Work Group will host an open house from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. at Montco Human Services Center Community Room (DeKalb & Fornance, Norristown).
- Clearfield-Jefferson Counties: The Suicide Prevention Team held their second annual Walk September 10 at DuBois City Park.
The Coalition is growing! New members have been added but we still need YOU!
Please take an opportunity to join the Coalition!! Together We Are Stronger!
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 Cindy Richard, co-chairs of the coalition at pasp@feelingblue.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.
Social Network
The Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition is on Network of Care social network site. To learn about upcoming trainings, meetings, etc., select “Network of Care” listed under Resources on the home page or access www.networkofcare.org. Select Social Network of Care, then Groups, then Network of Care for Mental Health which is where the PA Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition is listed. For more detailed instructions click here.
County Suicide Prevention Task force Information
County Task Forces Contact Sheet
Pennsylvania’s Third Annual Suicide Prevention Conference
The theme of the Third Annual Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Conference, held September 15-16, 2009 in State College, was "Creating Healthy Communities." Approximately 200 people attended the conference which featured presentations addressing suicide prevention issues for youth, adults and older adults. Highlights of the conference included a panel of survivors of suicide sharing in a general session, a meeting focusing on the work of several county suicide prevention task forces, and a webinar on "Pharmacological Management of Adolescent Depression in Primary Care," presented by Dr. David Brent, child psychiatrist from the STAR-Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh. Additional selected handouts from the conference are available.
Fact Sheets
Resources
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