IF YOU ARE OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE CALL 9-1-1 - NOW!


Welcome to the Web site of the Delaware County (PA)
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force
.

Our purpose is to promote understanding that suicide is a preventable community health problem in our county.

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!

Take advantage of all the resources Delaware County has to offer!

Check out our Resource Guide

NEW! - DCSPATF pamphlet
View or print a copy here

Suicide Prevention Updates

Site Updated: 4-11-2008

3rd Annual Delaware County Suicide Prevention Awareness 5k Run/Walk set for May 3, 2008
 

The community is invited to join the fun on Saturday, May 3rd at Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA, when the Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force hosts its annual 5K Run/Walk to help raise awareness of suicide prevention. Whether you choose to walk or run, the race begins at 9:30 am. There will be a timekeeper for runners in the race.

Please bring a pair of unworn shoes, to be donated to a local shelter, in memory of loved ones, friends, and other individuals who have died by suicide.

èFlyer & Registration Form Now Available!


Mental Health Month: Get Connected

Mental Health America
Mental Health Month was created more than 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all. This year’s theme is focused on an essential component of maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness: social connectedness.

The tagline for this year’s observance is “Get Connected.” There are many ways of creating connections that support mental health.

Get connected to family and friends to feel close and supported.

Get connected to your community to feel a sense of belonging and
   purpose.

Get connected to professional help to feel better when you’re stressed
   and having trouble coping.

To find out more: http://www.nmha.org/go/may
 


Let’s Talk About It:
Survivors of Suicide Loss Panel Share Feelings on Presentation

The audience of over two-hundred attending DCSPATF’s November 2007 Conference was genuinely moved during a panel presentation in which individuals shared personal stories of their struggles after the death of a loved one by suicide. For many Conference attendees, this was an eye-opening and deeply appreciated opportunity to gain insight into the challenges and complicated grief that accompany a suicide loss. The moderator and panel members had presented panel discussions to audiences made up of other survivors, but never to the general public. They hoped by reaching a wider audience they could increase the understanding of suicide and suicide loss.

The Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force extends it’s gratitude to the panel participants for their contribution to the success of the Conference and wishes to recognize the personal strength and courage it took to talk publicly about the private pain they have experienced. We also thank each individual for the following accounts of the difficulties and rewards they experienced in giving that presentation.

                       ● In Our Own Voice

MARYELLEN (as Moderator): A special presentation was held at the Symposium on November 15th at the Villanova Conference Center. Survivors of Suicide held a panel discussion with survivors who lost a loved one to suicide. Represented was Tony, loss of a Son; Gail, loss of a Spouse; Sue, loss of a Son; Linda, loss of a Sibling. As Director of the Survivors of Suicide Support Groups, I was asked to moderate the Panel. I too lost a Son to suicide. We normally do this type of Panel discussion at the Survivors Seminars that are attended primarily by other Survivors. We knew this would be emotionally draining for us but we felt we needed to let people know the complexities of the grief from a suicide loss.
è READ FULL TEXT


 

 


 

Upcoming Events:

* * * * * * * * *

Steering Committee Meeting
April 16, 2008

5:00-7:00 p.m.
American Day Treatment Center
401 Pilgrim Ln
Ste 100
Drexel Hill, PA
610-645-7520

View the complete Steering Committee Meeting Schedule for 2008


Save the Date
Sat., May 3, 2008


3rd Annual Delaware County Suicide Prevention Awareness
5K Fun Run & Walk
Ridley Creek State Park

èFlyer & Registration
Now Available!


The Children's Mental Health Awareness Partnership of Delaware County
invites you to join us in celebrating
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week
May 4-10, 2008.

è
More Info


DCSPATF now can be reached by e-mail at

info@
delcosucideprevention.org

contribute@
delcosuicideprevention.org

2008 Delaware County Suicide Prevention Awareness Task Force. Website credit: Stephen F. Campbell