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. Suicide knows no boundaries, meaning it 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! Download our 2019 Suicide Prevention Month Guide to learn ways you can take action.

Upcoming events dedicated to Suicide Prevention Month:

An Evening of Hope, Healing, and Remembrance

Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Wasson Farm
2545 Shingletown Road, State College PA 16801
5:30pm – 8pm

Join Jana Marie Foundation for our annual free community dinner, program, and candle-lighting ceremony. 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. This year’s theme, Be the Light, is sure to leave you feeling inspired.

This event is supported by:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Central PA Chapter, Scott Sipple Foundation, McGinnis Counseling and Consulting

Learn More

Philosophy of Hope Concert Benefiting Jana Marie Foundation

Saturday, September 21, 7pm at the State Theatre

Join us for an Extraordinary Musical Journey through Adversity to Hope and Resilience!

This unforgettable concert will showcase inspiring songs crafted by local singer-songwriter and author Ken Baxter as the soundtrack to his upcoming memoir The Philosophy of Arson, which recounts the unexpected detour his life takes following the loss of his younger son, Alex, to suicide. Ken’s astute musical storytelling runs the gamut from poignant to life affirming to full out get up and dance. Come celebrate life and hope through the vibrant lens of music.

Tickets are now onsale!

Cost: $31.50 (including fees)

Purchase Tickets

Suicide: The Ripple Effect

A film that saves lives

Suicide: The Ripple Effect, a feature length documentary, chronicles the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Since his attempt, Kevin has been a leading suicide prevention advocate, appearing at over 2,000 college and university campuses and over 3,000 high schools sharing his story and speaking out for mental health.

The film focuses on the devastating impact of suicide and the powerful positive ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration, and hope that are helping millions heal and stay alive. Join us for an inspirational and educational screening that features some of the world’s leading suicide prevention experts and shines light on stories of recovery and hope.

A panel discussion moderated by Carolyn Donaldson will follow the screening.

Panel Members: Heather Moran, PeerStar, LLC., Joseph Wiedemer, Penn State Health, Marisa Vicere, Jana Marie Foundation, Tammy Falls, Community Member, Evelyn Wald, Grief Support Facilitator

This event is supported by SCASD Straight Talk Committee and PeerStar, LLC.

September 25, 2019

7pm – 9:30pm
State College Area High School Auditorium

This is a free event. A suggested donation of $5 is encouraged to support the work of the Foundation.

Reserve your spot TODAY!

Learn more

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.