On September 17, 2026, Mental Health America of Lancaster-Lebanon Counties brought together community members, professionals, advocates, educators, and mental health champions for our annual Suicide Prevention Conference, Hope in Action: A Community Approach to Suicide Prevention.
Held at the DoubleTree Resort in Willow Street, the conference was more than a day of education. It was a reminder that suicide prevention is a community effort — and that meaningful change can begin with something as simple as showing up, listening, learning, and reaching out.
Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to learn from experts, connect with colleagues and community partners, and explore practical ways to bring suicide prevention into their workplaces, families, schools, organizations, and communities.
Turning Hope Into Action
This year’s theme, Hope in Action, reflected an important truth: Hope becomes powerful when we put it into practice.
Recognizing the signs that someone struggles to learn how to have difficult conversations gives individuals a chance to act. They can ask questions, listen without judgment, or connect someone with support. Sometimes that action is asking a question. Sometimes it is listening without judgment. Sometimes the action is connecting someone with support. It can also be reminding them they do not have to face a difficult moment alone.
The conference created space for those conversations. It equipped attendees with knowledge and tools they can carry beyond the walls of the conference.
Learning From Leaders in the Field
The day featured a diverse lineup of speakers and sessions addressing the many ways suicide prevention intersects with our communities.
Our keynote speaker was Dr. Jay Breneman of CeaseFire PA. He highlighted the connection between violence prevention, community safety, and mental health. Breakout sessions addressed topics like QPR suicide prevention training and maternal mortality with mental health. They also highlighted the power of sound and spoken word. Finally, suicide prevention among first responders and roadway workers was considered. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the role of connection and support within faith communities through sessions focused on spiritual support and “Holy Listening.”
Together, these conversations reinforced that there is no single path to suicide prevention. It requires collaboration across professions, communities, and lived experiences.
A Community United in Prevention
One of the meaningful moments of the day was the presentation of the Suicide Prevention Month proclamation, with Lancaster County Commissioners Alice Yoder, Ray D’Agostino, and Josh Parsons joining us to recognize the importance of suicide prevention across our community.
Their presence served as a powerful reminder that suicide prevention belongs in every community conversation — from health care and education to government, workplaces, faith communities, and beyond.
When we make space to talk openly about mental health and suicide prevention, we help create communities where people are more likely to recognize when someone is struggling and more prepared to offer support.
Hope Doesn’t End When the Conference Does
The most important part of a conference like this happens after everyone goes home.
It happens when an attendee remembers something they learned and uses it to start a conversation.
It happens when a teacher recognizes that a student may need additional support.
It happens when a colleague asks, “How are you really doing?” and takes the time to listen to the answer.
It happens when a friend reaches out instead of assuming someone is okay.
And it happens when communities choose to make mental health and suicide prevention an ongoing priority — not just during Suicide Prevention Month, but throughout the entire year.
That is what it means to put hope into action.
At Mental Health America of Lancaster-Lebanon Counties, we are grateful to everyone who made this year’s conference possible: our speakers and presenters, sponsors and partners, volunteers, attendees, and community leaders who continue to make space for conversations that matter.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for learning. Thank you for listening. And most importantly, thank you for putting Hope in Action.
Together, we can continue building a community where connection comes first, conversations are welcomed, and no one has to face a difficult moment alone.
Keep Hope in Action
Want to continue the conversation beyond the conference? Explore Mental Health America of Lancaster-Lebanon Counties’ programs, educational opportunities, support groups, and community resources to find ways you can stay connected and take action in your own community.