How to Join
Join the Coalition by sending an email to Kay Bela at kbela@mhalancaster.org to receive ongoing meeting information and simply join a scheduled meeting listed on the events page of this website or log on to a virtual meeting.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is partnering to create a responsive, compassionate community and to eliminate suicide through education, advocacy and support. Together, we envision a community free of the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness that is supportive of all those affected by suicide.
Toward those ends, we are dedicated to educating our community on the prevalence of suicide, including risk factors, and creating awareness that removes the stigma of suicide and leads to its elimination. In addition, we seek to support individuals and families impacted by suicide and direct them to the help needed to support their journey through grief and towards healing.
Our Values:
- No Shame
- Early Prevention
- Affirming Worth & Dignity
- Inspiring Hope
- Compassionate Support
- Engaging Partners
- Accountability
Please Reach Out
We Are Listening 24/7
Lancaster Crisis
Intervention
717-394-2631
Contact
Helpline
717-299-4855
Contact
Teenline
717-394-2000
National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)
Free Crisis Text Line
Text "MHA" to:
717-741-1234
Resources
Lancaster County Suicide Rates
Lancaster County Suicide Statistics 2012 – 2015
Lancaster County Suicide Statistics 2016
Lancaster County Suicide Statistics 2017 YTD
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects data about mortality in the U.S., including deaths by suicide.
In 2016 (the most recent year for which data is available), nearly 45,000 deaths by suicide were reported among Americans the age of 10 and older. The suicide rate has gone up 30% in half the states since 1999. It is estimated that 54% of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
CDC Vitalsigns June 2018 Released Report
Factors that may increase a person’s risk for suicide
Ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide or engaging in suicidal behaviors
If you’re wondering about ways you can help prevent suicide, sign up for a QPR Suicide Prevention Training through Mental Health America of Lancaster County. Read more and register for a QPR session (Question, Persuade, Refer) online here.
External Resources
College Students
The Sanctuary Model
The Sanctuary Model® represents a theory-based, trauma-enforced, evidence-supported, whole culture approach that has a clear and structured methodology for creating or changing an organizational culture.
Fostering Resilience with Kenneth Ginsburg
Dr. Ginsburg’s work focuses on working with children to help them live up to core values and essential goodness, teaching resilience and confidence to help them thrive.
College Guide for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
BestColleges.com published a resource for high school seniors going to college and currently enrolled college students who struggle with mental illness. According to the website, this research was done by “examining instructional strategies, course accommodations, and other campus services designed to serve this population.”
Suicide Prevention in College
Affordable Colleges Online provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation. This valuable resource guide on emergency assistance will help educate those to be able to learn the warning signs and prevention of suicide in college students.
Mental Health
Mom’s Mental Health Matters
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched Mom’s Mental Health Matters, a new initiative to raise awareness among pregnant postpartum mothers, their families, and health care providers about depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after the baby is born. The NIH has developed free materials in English and Spanish, including an action plan, posters and a conversation starter postcard.
Addition & Substance Abuse
Drugrehab.com: Substance Abuse and Suicide
Alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading risk factors for suicide. People with substance use disorders may experience hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, but treatment for addiction has helped find purpose and happiness in life.
The Recovery Village: Personalized Addiction Treatment
Learn about information and resources for people and families living with addiction and mental health issues.
Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
A national leader in suicide prevention and awareness, headquartered in New York. AFSP funds research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and supports survivors of suicide loss.
Understanding Suicide Prevention
Read about the facts, signs, risk factors, and other resources that can help with understanding suicide prevention. Published by BestColleges.com.
A Parent’s Guide to Suicide Prevention
Accredited Schools Online teaches critical warning signs and techniques on how to talk to your teen. Common myths and misperceptions that can steer parents in the wrong direction are also covered, along with information specific to LGBTQ teens.