The Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services and Corrections, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department recognized National Suicide Prevention Month and, alongside advocates and crisis response professionals, highlighted the statewide Suicide Prevention Plan. The plan is a two-year, multi-agency action plan aimed at addressing the mental health needs of all Pennsylvanians and decreasing suicide rates in the Commonwealth.
The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania, A Culture of Support and Action, is a
collaboration of more than a dozen state agencies and the Governor’s Affinity
Commissions that outlines shared goals, provides resources for those seeking help with
a mental or behavioral health crisis, and highlights Pennsylvania’s alignment with the
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health to our overall well-being, and it is
vital we talk openly and provide support to our fellow Pennsylvanians who may be
experiencing thoughts of suicide or who are concerned for a friend or loved one,” said
PA DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Secretary
Jen Smith. “The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania provides actionable goals to
improve mental health support for our communities and reduce deaths from suicide
across the Commonwealth. We want Pennsylvanians to know that there are resources
available any time, day or night, and I encourage anyone who needs support or just
needs someone to talk to, to call, text, or chat 988 to receive help right away.”
The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania is written by the state Suicide Prevention
Task Force. State agencies contributed to the plan by developing goals and action
steps specific to the audience they serve. The plan focuses on three shared goals
across all agencies:
• Improving access to and use of suicide data, including and especially for populations at increased risk.
• Improving partnerships between the state agencies and other entities engaged in suicide prevention efforts at the state and local levels.
• Increasing efforts to collaborate around suicide risk and protective factors, as part of upstream suicide prevention.
“We commend the Task Force for recognizing that everyone has a role to play in suicide
prevention and that meaningful progress depends on listening to and involving
communities and partners across Pennsylvania,” said Prevent Suicide PA Executive
Director Caitlin Davidson. “The plan includes the importance of data, community
partnerships, and upstream approaches in suicide prevention and highlights that
meaningful connection is at the foundation of prevention work. When people feel seen,
heard, and supported, they are more likely to reach out and find help.”
