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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
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg
Join us in raising awareness of the need for Suicide Prevention at the Pennsylvania Capitol on September 21. A press conference will be held from 10:30-11:30 am. Speakers will include several legislators and individuals representing veterans, students, family member survivors, and those who have attempted suicide. An empty shoe memorial will pay visual tribute to loved ones lost due to suicide and display tables will provide organizations with an opportunity to share suicide prevention materials. More information.
Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative
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
Suicide Prevention Updates
Check Out What We’ve Been Doing!
The Suicide Prevention Steering Coalition invites all stakeholders to attend an awareness event at the Capitol Rotunda. The event will be held on September 21, 2010.
A press conference will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Speakers will include several legislators and individuals representing veterans, students, family member survivors, and those who have attempted suicide. An empty shoe memorial will pay visual tribute to loved ones lost due to suicide and display tables will provide organizations with an opportunity to share suicide prevention materials. If you would like to donate shoes to this memorial, please bring them with you to the event. We suggest inserting a loved one’s name on an index card into the shoes. You may either donate the shoes or take them back with you when you leave. Representatives from various organizations will be at display tables to share information from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bring a Friend!
We encourage you to coordinate carpools and bring lots of people to join in the event. If you plan to do so, please contact Heidi Bryan 610-715-0076 or pasp@feelingblue.org so we can keep track of the number of people expected.
Visit Your Legislator
While at the capitol, visit your legislators and talk with them about the importance of support for suicide awareness and prevention efforts.
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 Heidi Bryan or Pam Williams, co-chairs of the coalition at pasp@feelingblue.org for further information. Thank you for your interest.
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
Counties with Task Forces
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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