Contributed by Brandi Fitch
September is Suicide Prevention Month and with the pandemic still gripping the country, an increasing number of individuals are finding themselves experiencing more stress and depressive symptoms than ever. If you are one of these individuals, remember that you are not alone and there is always someone that you can talk to. Don’t be afraid to talk about it.
Local resources can be found in the list below:
- Keystone Health Crisis Intervention, 24/7
717-264-2555 or 866-918-2555 - Mental Health Assoc. of Franklin/Fulton Co. Help Line
717-264-2916 - The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at
1-855-284-2494 from anywhere in PA - National Crisis Text Line: HOME to 741741
The Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) of Franklin County, an initiative of the Healthy Franklin County Behavioral Health Task Force, focuses on eliminating suicides within Franklin County, by increasing awareness of suicide as preventable and increasing the availability of mental health resources. The SPC has organized a variety of trainings and events throughout the month of September which are free to the community. Purple ribbons and lights will also be on display throughout town centers in Franklin County to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Take some time to learn how you can help prevent a death by suicide.
Throughout September
Play SPINGO: The Suicide Prevention Challenge*
*SPINGO: The Suicide Prevention Challenge
Please download the SPINGO card to play. Information about rules of play, instructions and prizes are on the card.
Helpful information and tips:
- Check out the Suicide Prevention Month calendar of events above to find out answers to many of the SPINGO questions. All events are FREE. For SPINGO questions where you are requested to participate in a training or book discussion, please send confirmation of your participation to npurdy@wellspan.org with your completed SPINGO and enter the date of completion in the respective SPINGO box.
- Purple lights and ribbons will be on display in downtown Chambersburg during September in support of Suicide Prevention Month. Purple lights will also be on display in Waynesboro and Greencastle in their downtowns.
- Relax and unwind with an easy, virtual yoga session with Kim Crider, Community Health Coordinator with WellSpan Health. Enter a reflection about the experience on the SPINGO card as your answer (honor system). Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSR1iJf8nZs&feature=youtu.be
- Try out a virtual mindfulness walk. Listen to this audio while taking a walk outdoors for a calming experience that allows you to focus on the present and enjoy the nature around you. Join Kim Crider, Community Health Coordinator with WellSpan Health as she guides you through the walk. Enter a reflection about the experience on the SPINGO card as your answer (honor system). Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wxROps2iE4&t=28s
- Download the My Strength App for free at www.mystrength.com and use the password: WPH99. Make sure to submit proof of download with SPINGO card.
- Thank a Mental Health Worker by filling out the form here and send to npurdy@wellspan.org with SPINGO card.
- Search other Healthy Franklin County blog posts about suicide prevention to find answers to other questions in SPINGO.
- Make sure to source any statistical data or information cited in your answers.
Questions about SPINGO? Email npurdy@wellspan.org.
Thank you to Shelly Schwartz and Healthy Franklin County for donating funds for SPINGO prizes.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the resources listed above. Visit Healthy Franklin County’s website for additional information on the Behavioral Health Task Force, as well as the Healthy Franklin County Mental Health Mapper to find local mental health providers and resources.