Commonwealth launches suicide prevention task force
SUBMITTED PHOTO / PA INTERNET NEWS SERVICE - PA Pennsylvania State Representative Michael H. Schlossberg speaking at the announcement of the formation of a statewide Suicide Prevention Task Force.
Sentinel Staff Reports
HARRISBURG, Dauphin County – Announced yesterday in Dauphin County was a statewide Suicide Prevention Task Force, aiming to develop a suicide prevention plan for Pennsylvania and to “let Pennsylvanians in crisis know their lives are valuable and help is available.”
“We have an obligation to provide resources and promote safe, supportive environments so people we serve know that there are places to turn if they are in crisis,” said Governor Tom Wolf in a media release. “Silence can perpetuate crisis and make people feel like they are struggling alone with no outlet or options for support, but things can and will get better, and help is always available.”
The Suicide Prevention Task Force will merge “siloed” efforts into one, statewide suicide prevention plan informed by the diverse perspectives and experiences of various state agencies, including in the departments of Aging, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, Health, Military and Veterans Affairs, Education, Corrections, and Transportation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
The task force will monthly, holding its first meeting in the next few weeks with members appointed by agency cabinet secretaries.
The task force will work with the General Assembly, partners in suicide prevention, and other stakeholders to develop a new suicide prevention plan that takes recent data from the CDC, recent coverage around high-profile suicides, and recommendations related to mental health set by Pennsylvania’s School Safety Task Force. Long-term policy solutions and strategies will be developed to increase awareness of resources for people in crisis or considering suicide, reduce the stigma associated with suicide and mental illnesses, and reduce the rate of suicide in Pennsylvania.
According to a 2018 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the country and is one of only three that are on the rise. In Pennsylvania, suicide rates have increased by 34 percent since 1999. The CDC reports that problems with relationships, substance use, physical health conditions, a job or financial situation, and the legal system or another crisis most often contribute to suicide, and more than 50 percent of people who die by suicide do not have a known mental health condition.
“If we are going to reverse the growing prevalence of suicide as a leading cause of death, we must expand our perspective and strengthen our approach,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “Suicidal ideation and crisis can affect people at any time and in any circumstance. We can all play a role in recognizing and supporting people in crisis, and we intend to do that.”
“Unfortunately, individuals in crisis and with mental health disorders are often shadowed with stigma much like individuals suffering from substance use disorders,” said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. “As public servants, we have an obligation to reduce that stigma and create policy to help our loved ones and neighbors. This task force will bring together individuals from different facets of state government to do just that.”
“Suicide is a difficult issue and we are extremely interested in supporting this task force so we may adapt and implement the innovations and tools it will provide for the betterment of both our service members and our veterans,” said Brig. Gen Mark Schindler, deputy adjutant general – Army with the PA Army National Guard.
“All lives have value and worth, but there are times when it can be hard for people to see through their pain,” said Gov. Wolf. “My administration will do everything we can to ensure that the people we serve and represent know that they are never alone and that systems and supports are equipped to provide help that can save lives.”
If you or someone you love is in crisis or you are considering harming yourself, free help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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