Shapiro Administration Highlights Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan to Support Mental Health of All Pennsylvanians

The Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services (PA DHS) and Corrections, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) recognized National Suicide Prevention Month and, alongside advocates and crisis response professionals, highlighted the statewide Suicide Prevention Plan. The plan is a two-year, multi-agency action plan aimed at addressing the mental health needs of all Pennsylvanians and decreasing suicide rates in the Commonwealth.

The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania, A Culture of Support and Action, is a collaboration of more than a dozen state agencies and the Governor's Affinity Commissions that outlines shared goals, provides resources for those seeking help with a mental or behavioral health crisis, and highlights Pennsylvania's alignment with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

"Mental health is just as important as physical health to our overall well-being, and it is vital we talk openly and provide support to our fellow Pennsylvanians who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide or who are concerned for a friend or loved one," said PA DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Secretary Jen Smith. "The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania provides actionable goals to improve mental health support for our communities and reduce deaths from suicide across the Commonwealth. We want Pennsylvanians to know that there are resources available any time, day or night, and I encourage anyone who needs support or just needs someone to talk to, to call, text, or chat 988 to receive help right away."