Suicide Prevention Month

Annually, Jana Marie Foundation works with the Centre County Board of Commissioners, the House of Representatives, and the US Senate to proclaim September 10th as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day and the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month.

WE ALL MUST PLAY A ROLE IN PREVENTING SUICIDE

About Suicide Prevention Month

In the state of Pennsylvania, one person dies by suicide every four hours, making it one of the leading causes of death. Suicide is preventable. Sadly, the prejudice and discrimination often associated with mental health and suicide works against suicide prevention by discouraging persons at risk from seeking lifesaving help, further traumatizing survivors of suicide. This designated month sheds light to the importance of suicide prevention and provides an opportunity for us to join forces with other community organizations and elected officials to help dispel myths and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

We all play a vital role in preventing suicide and saving lives. The impact of suicide can and does affect everyone. By providing a special month dedicated to prevention, we can amplify the unique voices of those affected by suicide and make it known that it is okay to reach out to help and to reach out for help.

We invite you to be involved in Suicide Prevent efforts!

Downloads:

2020 Suicide Prevention Month Guide: A guide compiled by Jana Marie Foundation, Garret Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant, Prevent Suicide PA, and Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistant Services to provide ideas and ways you can take action.

Download a virtual background: Scroll through the images below. If you would like to download, right click on the image and press save image.

Upcoming events dedicated to Suicide Prevention Month:

An Evening of Hope, Healing, and Remembrance

Tuesday, September 10, 2020
Wasson Farm
2545 Shingletown Road, State College PA 16801
7:00pm – 8:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Join Jana Marie Foundation for An Evening of Hope, Healing, and Remembrance program and candle-lighting ceremony, held on Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day. Through art, music, dance, storytelling, and other forms of creative expression, this evening is designed to create public awareness, educate the community, remember those we have lost, give hope to the survivors and end the silence around the topic of suicide. Masks will be required and registration is strongly recommended so we can ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed.

This event is supported by:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Central PA Chapter

Jana’s Drive-in Diner

Saturday, September 19, 5pm – 8pm, Location TBD

Grab your poodle skirts and leather jackets and celebrate a nostalgic summer evening in Centre County. The Jana Marie Foundation and Blaise Alexander and presents Jana’s Drive-in Diner Saturday, September 19, 2020.

It’s an evening where you can enjoy throwback music and casual dining in your vehicle. Food trucks will be cooking up the tasty meals, and car-side delivery will be provided. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the night. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m., and the cost for this fundraising event is $15 per meal (please bring cash or check). 1950’s attire is not required, but certainly encouraged!

“Jana’s Drive-In Diner presented by Blaise Alexander and the Nittany Mall will not only generate necessary funding to grow the confidence of young people and provide crucial mental health education, but will also offer a unique opportunity to come together as a community and create lasting memories while following social distancing recommendations,” says Marisa Vicere, President and Founder of the Jana Marie Foundation.

Guests are asked to stay in cars the entire time to ensure social distancing and the safety of everyone. Orders will be taken through a paper menu, and everyone is asked to wear a mask when talking with volunteers and servers.

Past Recordings from Suicide Prevention Month

We thank all of our speakers for their vulnerability and courage to share with us. Please take a look at these powerful messages of hope from our past Evenings of Hope, Healing, and Remembrance.