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 approximately every five 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:

2023 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

Sunday, September 10, 2023
Wasson Farm
5:30pm – 8:00pm

RSVP Here! 

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. The evening will begin with a free meal, catered by SCASD’s Culinary Arts Program, led by Chef Zach Lorber.

Candle Lighting Ceremony hosted by Evelyn Wald.

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.