New in Pennsylvania!
Mental Health/Warmline
As we know, we’re in an unprecedented time for everyone. It’s uncertain and very scary. This fear is completely understandable, and the indefinite timeline is likely creating a lot of anxiety during a time where we may be or feel more removed from our support networks. But social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation, and we want people to know that even as we all face this difficult period, no one is alone.
As of April 1 at 6 p.m. a new resource became available to the citizens of PA. A 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions became available. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494 from anywhere in PA.
It’s a difficult time, and it’s easy to feel alone and cut-off from the world, but we need people to know that they are not alone, and support is available. Please help share the word about this resource.
There are many additional options if you need to talk to someone at this difficult time.
Need Help Now? We’re here to help you . . .
Beaver County Crisis #: 800-400-6180 (Available 24/7)
Or … the Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support
via text message to people in crisis when they text PA to 741741.
Join Beaver County’s Zero Suicide Initiative:
How can I / we get started?
. . . see The Ripple Effect.
AS A PRECAUTION TO AVOID THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, ALL SCREENINGS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS IMPORTANT INITIATIVE!
(County Staff will be in attendance following each screening to provide local resources, crisis information and answer questions.)
Request a life-saving screening of this documentary
for your group.
Contact Elisia Majors at bczerosuicide@gmail.com or 724.847.6225.
Want to know more?
Visit the Mental Health First Aid website!
Pennsylvania Statewide Suicide Prevention Task Force
Initial Report
January 14th, 2020
This convenient magnet is available to raise awareness and provide helpful resource numbers.
To request magnets, please email: bczerosuicide@gmail.com
Zero Suicide
The Zero Suicide framework is a system-wide organizational commitment toward safer suicide care in health and behavioral health systems.
Essential Elements of Suicide Care
- Lead system-wide culture change committed to reducing suicides
- Train a competent, confident, and caring workforce
- Identify individuals with suicide risk via comprehensive screening and assessment
- Engage all individuals at-risk of suicide using a suicide care management plan
- Treat suicidal thoughts and behaviors using evidence-based treatments
- Transition individuals through care with warm hand-offs and supportive contacts
- Improve policies and procedures through continuous quality improvement
Get The Fact Sheet: What is Zero Suicide?
The Data
From NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) . . .
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
• 90% of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
• 75% of people who die by suicide are male
• Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population
• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
4.3% of all adults
11.0% of young adults aged 18-25
17.2% of high school students
47.7% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students
If you or someone you know is in an emergency,
call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
Beaver County Crisis #: 800-400-6180 (Available 24/7)
National de Prevención del Suicidio
1.888.628.9454
Options for Deaf + Hard of Hearing
1.800.799.4889
Veteran’s Crisis Line
1.800.273.8255
TransLifeLine
1.877.565.8860
Disaster Distress Helpline
1.800.985.5990
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
The Role of Co-Workers in Preventing Suicide in the Workplace
Provided by The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), this article may help you to recognize a colleague who is at risk and help your respond.
Comprehensive Blueprint for Workplace Suicide Prevention
Provided by The Action Alliance (Workplace Task Force), this online resource provides guidance to workplaces on how to develop a comprehensive suicide prevention program.
Best Practices for Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace
Just added to the Policy Research Associates, Inc. well-being portfolio, “this release is a tool that employers – large and small – can use to assess their organizations and create concrete action items for growing mentally healthy workplace practices, policies, and programs. Creating a mentally healthy workplace can transform and even save employee’s lives.”
Suicide Prevention Resources for Schools and Young People
Living with mental illness may sometimes leave you feeling hopeless and alone. The stigma associated with having a mental illness often makes it hard to talk openly about your feelings and experiences, even with your family and friends. Help is available.
OK2TALK is an online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope.
Anyone can add their voice by sharing stories, poems, inspirational quotes, photos, videos, song lyrics and messages of support in a safe, moderated space. Submission guidelines
Taking Charge of Your Mental Health
(For Students, New Diagnosis, Infographic)
Support for Suicidal Individuals on social and digital media.
Not only will this 27-page guide save lives, it’s the socially responsible thing to do . . .
Want to Know How to Help a Friend?
(Student Guide to Mental Health, Infographic)
The Dougy Center
School & Community Toolkit
(for Suicide Pre & Postvention)
The Trevor Project
GET HELP NOW – If you are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorChat – Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7
TrevorText – Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7. Text START to 678678.
TrevorSpace – An online international peer-to-peer community
Trevor Support Center – FAQs for LGBTQ youth and allies
www.selfinjuryhelp.com/
If you know someone who self-injures, please get help for that person. You MUST tell someone who can help – a friend, a parent, a teacher – anyone who can help. Self-injury can never be a secret. You are NOT being a friend if you do not get help for the person.
Parent Resources
The Jason Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs to equip young people, educators, youth workers, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
Facts – As parents and adults we need to be able to talk openly with our youth. The first thing we need to do is to be well informed about the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide. Suicide is Preventable. (This webpage includes Youth Suicide Statistics, Signs and Concerns, and Common Myths.)
What a Parent Can Do – This webpage includes a list of things you can do in your own community to make a difference. (Also includes an extensive resource library and Do’s and Don’ts.)
Nicolina’s Wishes provides education and other support services for individuals, families and peers affected by mental health issues and illness. The foundation engages with the local community by advocating for mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, and grief support. Located in Center Township, on-site programming is available for peer support, wellness and resource education.
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Grief Supports
When Grief becomes a Mental Health issue
Lifeline of Listening Friends
A Listing of Suicide Loss Support Groups surrounding Pittsburgh
providing support for your journey of grief along the healing pathway
Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group
SOS is a support group for bereaved family members and close friends of suicide victims. This group provides a safe place for survivors to deal with the painful questions and feelings that follow suicide.
The meetings are held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 in a classroom at Bellefield Towers, located in Oakland. Parking is free. Please call for group start dates.
LOCATION:
STAR-Center of UPMC Western Psychiatric
100 North Bellefield Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593
412.864.3346
Suicide Loss & Healing Support Group
2019/2020 Meeting Schedule
This group, for adults 18 and over, meets continuously throughout the year. The goal of the support group is to provide a warm, welcoming , hopeful environment to those who need to talk about their grief and relate to others without stigma. Our support group is here to help you with your healing.
Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Monday of the month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
CONTACT INFO:
Michele Kelly-Thompson 724-510-3271
Alicia Craig 724-510-3344
Laurlyn Smith 724-510-3274
suicidelossgroup@humanservicescenter.net
LOCATION:
New Castle Public Library (Copernicus Room on 1st floor)
207 E. North Street
New Castle, PA 16101
After a Suicide (Suicide Prevention Resource Center)
Recommendations for Religious Services & Other Public Memorial Observances
Click here for other Local Resources on Loss and Grief
