Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Officials from the Shapiro Administration, along with community organizations, will gather at the State Capitol Main Rotunda in Harrisburg on September 30 to recognize Suicide Prevention Month. The event aims to highlight ongoing efforts to support individuals affected by suicide and provide resources for those experiencing mental health crises.
The discussion will address the needs of groups considered at higher risk for suicide, including older adults, farmers and rural communities, veterans, Black youth, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Advocates working to improve access to care for these populations will also participate.
Governor Josh Shapiro has made behavioral health services a priority since taking office. His administration has allocated $40 million for county mental health programs, $5 million for crisis stabilization walk-in centers, and $200 million toward mental health supports as well as school safety initiatives. The administration has also responded to federal funding cuts by increasing support and training for 988 call centers so Pennsylvanians can connect quickly with help when needed.
The event will feature speakers such as Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh of the Department of Human Services; Major General Terry Koudelka from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; James Stafford, Veterans' Services Specialist; Deputy Secretary Jonathan Bowman from the Department of Aging; Karen Leonovich from the PA Association of Area Agencies on Aging; Alyson Thebes from Perry County Area Agency on Aging; Matt Espenshade from PA State Grange; Casey Pick from The Trevor Project; and Stephen Sharp of the Pennsylvania Black Youth Suicide Workgroup.
"Press interested in attending must RSVP with the name of photographer/reporter to ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov."
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