Shapiro Administration highlights efforts during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Leadership from the Shapiro Administration, along with suicide prevention advocacy groups and individuals affected by suicide, marked September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The event focused on sharing resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis and highlighted stories from groups at higher risk of suicide, such as older adults, farmers and rural communities, veterans, Black youth, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh stated, "DHS is honored to work alongside our agency colleagues and suicide prevention organizations to share stories of suicide loss and raise awareness about how to get help, reduce stigma, and to offer hope. The more we talk about our mental health and check in with our loved ones, the more we can help people feel safe talking about what's going on beneath the surface. By starting the conversation, providing resources, and directing help to those who need it, we can save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone."

Speakers at the event included Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh from the Department of Human Services; Major General Terry Koudelka and James Stafford from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 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 from the Pennsylvania Black Youth Suicide Workgroup.