Education

The Lancaster SPC offers many training and educational opportunities for your classroom, workforce, event or group.  MHA offers educational materials, speakers, trainers and event resource-tables upon request.  We also offer the QPR Institute certified training that takes place throughout the year as a three-hour course.  Participants receive a certificate of completion at the end.  Shortened, customized QPR-related trainings and presentations are available.  Please visit our Mental Health Academy page for details and contact information for all of your mental health educational needs.

Mental Health Academy

We can help your school classroom, work place, event group, place of worship or organization take the necessary steps to provide education on difficult subjects. Request a presentation, panelist, resources,speaker or training for your student body, staff, volunteers or community group.

Contact MHA at 717-397-7461 or mha@mhalancaster.org to start a conversation based on your educational goals. We are working both in-person and virtually throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to meet your needs. Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Our topics can be customized or recommended based on common themes:
  • Suicide Prevention
  • De-Escalation and Conflict
  • Resolution
  • Specific Mental Illnesses
  • Self Care
  • Stress Management
Mental Health Academy
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

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
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.

 
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
Informational Videos