Beaver County Zero Suicide

Beaver County Zero Suicide

The Beaver County Zero Suicide Taskforce is a group of many individuals and organizations working together to prevent suicide. We believe that…

ONE is Too Many

Suicide occurs within ALL ages, races, genders, sexuality, faith denominations, occupations, incomes and educational levels…suicide can affect anyone and everyone.  We also know that ONE SUICIDE death or attempt IS TOO MANY.

#988 is available 24/7

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please follow the steps below to help yourself, a friend, or a loved one.

Immediate HELP IS AVAILABLE:

Look For WARNING SIGNS:

You can’t always tell when a loved one or friend is considering suicide. But here are some common warning signs:

    • Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born.”
    • Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
    • Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
    • Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
    • Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
    • Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
    • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
    • Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
    • Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
    • Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
    • Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again
    • Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above

Whether it’s preventing a suicide or dealing with the aftermath of a suicide, opening up communication is the key to a successful outcome.

 

Resources:

  • Schools:
    • As students head back to school, help put suicide prevention on the agenda for the new academic year by using and sharing these materials
    • Create an approved confidentiality template for posting outside a teacher, coach, or school counselor’s office so students understand the process and what is kept in confidence. 
    • Suicide Prevention Resource Center: The SPRC is the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
    • After a Suicide: A Resource for Schools
    • The Dougy Center: Resources for after a suicide death. Narrow down Dougy’s extensive library by topic, type, and age to find resources specific to after a suicide death.
    • Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Resource for Elementary School Educators & School-Based Professionals
  • Parents, Caregivers, Friends:
  • Students:
    • Beaver County Youth Ambassador Program
    • The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. It offers free, 24/7, confidential counseling through the following: Trevor Lifeline—toll-free phone line at 1-866- 488-7386; TrevorText—text START to 678-678; TrevorChat—instant messaging at TheTrevorProject.org/ Help. It also runs TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ youth at TrevorSpace.org
  • Veterans:
    • Veteran’s Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)
    • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS): Call 800-959-TAPS (8277) 24/7 or visit www.taps.org/suicide. TAPS special resources and programming provide compassionate care to all survivors of military suicide loss. Our unique approach will help stabilize you and your family, guide you through “healthy grief” and put you on a path toward healing and growth.
  • Employer: Building Capacity for Suicide Prevention in Social Work Practice
  • I AM STRUGGLING with suicidal thoughts: Click Here.
  • I have attempted suicide:
    • Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt. This booklet is a guide to help you take the first steps toward recovery after your suicide attempt. The tools and stories it contains come from the experiences of others, some named, some anonymous, who have survived a suicide attempt. It is our hope that their experiences can help you keep yourself safe, develop hope, and, most importantly, remind you that you are not alone.
  • I’VE LOST SOMEONE to suicide:
    • Surviving a Suicide Loss – Resources and Healing Guide. This guide provides support, resources, and tools to foster hope and healing for suicide loss survivors. It contains practical information as well as stories from experts and fellow loss survivors.
    • The Dougy Center: Resources for after a suicide death. Narrow down Dougy’s extensive library by topic, type, and age to find resources specific to after a suicide death.
    • Support Groups
      • Nicolina’s Wishes: “Loss and Healing” – A monthly grief support group specifically for those who have lost a loved one who has taken their own life.
      • Highmark Caring Place: “Supporting Children and Adults after someone has died by suicide” 
      • The Compassionate Friends: Meets the 2nd Sunday of each month 2:00 pm in New Brighton, PA. Chapter Phone Voice Mail (724) 728-3003
      • Healing Conversations: Our trained volunteers can help guide you in the aftermath of a suicide. They have also experienced a suicide loss.
      • Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group: Search virtual or in-person bereavement support groups by distance. 
    • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS): Call 800-959-TAPS (8277) 24/7 or visit www.taps.org/suicide. TAPS special resources and programming provide compassionate care to all survivors of military suicide loss. Our unique approach will help stabilize you and your family, guide you through “healthy frief” and put you on a path toward healing and growth.
  • Someone I know is at risk: It can be scary when a friend or loved one is having mental health challenges or thinking about suicide. It’s hard to know how a suicidal crisis feels and how to act. Contact 988 at any time for help if a friend is struggling. Here are some Tips for Helping Someone Else.
  • Additional Resources
    • Safe2Say
    • Transition Age Mobile Crisis: Mobile Crisis is a short-term crisis response that occurs in the home or community.  The goal is to address the crisis and provide assessment, stabilization and linkage services to youth, young adults and their families. Mobile crisis services are initiated by calling our on-call phone and are available 24 hours/day.  Families can utilize mobile crisis without needing an established diagnosis or previous involvement with the behavioral health system. 

 

Trainings:

  • Beaver County’s System of Care supports the well-being of individuals and families through collaboration, education, and empowerment. We offer diverse training opportunities for service providers, educators, caregivers, youth, and community members.

    Topics include but are not limited to mental health, co-occurring disorders, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, youth engagement, the Mental Health Procedures Act,  ID/EI services, aging services, cultural competency, and family support strategies. Our goal is to build knowledge, strengthen skills, and promote inclusive, person-centered care.

    Whether you’re seeking professional development or tools to support your community, we’re here to help. 

    Click Here to complete the form if you’re interested in hosting an upcoming training, would like to request a customized session, or want to stay informed about future opportunities. A member of our team will be in touch with more information.

  • Friday, Sept. 12, 2025: 7th Annual Zero Suicide Town Hall – Learn more/Register Here.

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