MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg will host a series of events throughout September and early October to honor Suicide Prevention Month.
“This month we are creating open conversations about suicide prevention and navigating those conversations. We’re bringing together as many local resources as possible — so no one has to struggle alone with suicide. When depression and anxiety tell us to isolate, the truth is that connection and support can open the door to hope. You’ve come too far not to see the life you deserve on the other side, and this is your reminder you're not alone," said Eileen Haase, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Disability Resources (SDR).
Events are as follows:
Monday, Sept. 8
"Question. Persuade. Refer." (QPR) Gatekeeper Training
Two sessions: 11 a.m.-12:10 p.m. or 12:20-1:30 p.m., Olmsted E-134.
Space is limited, and pre-registration is requested to become certified. Lunch is provided, and first-year seminar credit is available.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Suicide Prevention Community Panel and Open Mic Night
6:30-8 p.m., Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre
Join CAPS with special guests including Dauphin County Allies for Suicide Prevention: Inspiring, Responding, Educating (ASPIRE) and the Suicide Prevention Alliance.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
World Suicide Prevention Day and Mental Health Resource Info Fair
11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Vartan Plaza (Rain location: CUB 210)
Connect with over 20 mental health and wellness resources and services on and off campus in our local community.
Field of Memories
Flags will be planted in the SEC North lawn area to represent the 1,100 U.S. college students who die by suicide each year. Campus community members can leave a message of hope, honor someone they miss, and remind someone they are not alone. Flags available at the CAPS table during the fair.
GROW Series Launch
Pick up a plant at the CAPS table and learn about GROW (Growing Resilience Optimum Wellness).
Candlelight Vigil
6:30 p.m., Vartan Plaza and Lion shrine (Rain location: Spiritual Center)
A vigil will be held in honor and remembrance of those affected by suicide.
Men’s Soccer Mental Health Awareness Game
7 p.m., Turf field
Community members can cheer on the men’s soccer team as it raises awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
Friday, Sept. 12
Unwind & Relax for Suicide Prevention
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center, W132 Olmsted Building
Drop in to use mindfulness for suicide prevention and awareness through grounding techniques and mug painting.
Monday, Sept. 15
"My Safety Guide"
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center, W132 Olmsted
A workshop, with first year seminar credit available.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Field Hockey Mental Health Awareness Game
4 p.m., Turf field
Women’s Soccer Mental Health Awareness Game
7 p.m., Turf field
Cheer on the teams as they raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Volleyball Mental Health Awareness Game
7 p.m., CUB Gym
Cheer on the team as they raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
Friday, Sept. 26
"Navigating Relationships Involving Addiction"
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center, W132 Olmsted
A workshop with CAPS and first-year seminar credit is available.
Saturday, Oct. 4
"Out of the Darkness" Harrisburg Walk
Check-in: 9 a.m., Event start time: 11 a.m., FNB Field, Harrisburg
Join the Penn State Harrisburg Team to help prevent suicide in Dauphin County and nationally by joining the local Out of the Darkness community walk. All are welcome during Family Weekend.
Register for the walk here. There is no registration fee. Donations will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Students who register before Oct. 1 will be entered into a raffle to win a free event t-shirt sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor.
Anyone with questions can contact team captain Eileen Haase at erh145@psu.edu. Anyone who anticipates needing any type of accommodation or has questions about the physical access provided can contact Heather Wright at hvw5448@psu.edu or call 717-948-6025 at least one week prior to the start of the program.
Events throughout the month are sponsored by numerous campus and community organizations, including the Office of the Chancellor, Faculty Senate, Staff Advisory Council, Student Government Association, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Affairs, Family Weekend, Athletics, Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research, Dauphin County ASPIRE and the Suicide Prevention Alliance, QPR Institute, and the Katie’s Save Foundation.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to talk to someone today
Students:
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Call an available counselor 24/7/365 at Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741-741.
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Or, to talk with a counselor at CAPS, call us at 717-948-6025 to make an appointment. Mental health counseling is confidential and FREE for enrolled students. CAPS is located in the SEC Room 205 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit harrisburg.psu.edu/caps to learn more. Meet the CAPS team here.
Not sure? That’s very common! Consider taking the CAPS anonymous online mental health screening here!
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Faculty/Staff/Others:
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For self:
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Call an available counselor 24/7/365 by calling the 988 Lifeline. Visit https://988lifeline.org/ to learn more or chat online.
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For eligible Penn State employees contact Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider SupportLinc. Visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/health-wellbeing/supportlinc for more information.
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- For a student:
- Call to consult with an available counselor at CAPS during business hours at 717-948-6025 or if afterhours, call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400.
- Review Penn State’s Red Folder resource to help faculty, staff, student leaders and others who interact with students to recognize, respond effectively to, and refer Penn State students in distress.