September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services says it’s critical to raise awareness surrounding mental health and suicide.

“Suicide can impact individuals from every walk of life, all sorts of different circumstances. And I just want people to know that help is always available. I think we can all agree that even one life lost to suicide is one too many. And we also know that death by suicide has ripple effects on those that survive. People often have been left with a lot of unanswered questions about complex emotions. And there's a lot of stigmas that remains around death by suicide. Oftentimes, survivors feel quite isolated or are nervous about talking about how their loved one died because they're nervous that that they will be similarly stigmatized. And so, I just so appreciate this opportunity to talk with you today to let folks know that this is something we should be talking about. There is no need for stigma around this issue. And now today, we have a new relatively new at this point, suicide, national suicide crisis, line nine, eight. And this is truly a lifeline. Anybody can call or text nine, eight, eight. And when they do that, they will get no judgment. They will just get help, “said Dr. Arkoosh.

Dr. Arkoosh just toured Centre Helps, a 988-call center to connect with staff about the importance of accessible, affordable, and local mental health and substance use disorder services. Centre Helps is one of 12 call centers in Pennsylvania that is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

“They work very closely with a number of Penn State student volunteers who go through extensive training to answer these calls. And I was so impressed by the way that they work in their community. They have brought all kinds of resources to the table to assist people with a variety of needs. And they've done it in such an effective way with the people in their community. I also was impressed by how impactful their work is. They take such pride in their work and deservedly so. They have been extremely successful in handling most of the calls just right over the phone without the need to deploy additional resources or send someone somewhere else. But when that is required, they're ready to do it. And they have a great system in place to help the folks in their community, “said Dr. Arkoosh.

Lex Remillard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Altior Healthcare says many people are dealing with suicidal thoughts.

“One of the biggest reasons is it's one of the major causes of death for young people. And older people now. So, there's a much higher increase in suicidality with the youth and much higher suicidality with older folks. So, the good news is that collectively, we can all do a lot more. On this difficult subject because it affects everyone, “said Remillard.

Remillard says it’s important for those battling those suicidal thoughts to reach out to a trusted confidant.

“Well, considering that adolescent suicidality in young, young adults suicidality activities is on the rise, I think the first the first place. You would look would be maybe in school like a school counselor. They have resources that would be like a first step if you belong to a church. Talking to someone like a pastor. Getting in to see a professional therapist, “said Remillard.