The Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) of Lehigh County is a backbone organization supporting social service organizations, communities, and other groups concerned about the rising number of deaths by suicide in Lehigh County.
The Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) promotes the sharing of data, reports, best practices, and local stories to inform and enlighten discussions and strategies for suicide prevention and other deaths of despair. This approach aims to create a well-informed and collaborative environment to effectively address these critical issues.
The Lehigh County L.O.S.S. Team is an initiative stemming from The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County in partnership with the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. Our team is made up of compassionate community members and suicide loss survivors trained to reach out to the newly bereaved suicide loss survivors.
The Steering Committee provides the driving force for strategic guidance to The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County. The Steering Committee supports two Action Teams: 1) Prevention and Intervention and 2) Awareness and Engagement that work to provide resources to the community on prevention, intervention, and support for loved ones who are survivors of suicide loss.
The following Advisory Groups and Task Forces provide strategic guidance to The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County to advance its efforts in specific suicide prevention areas and topics. Each Action Team meets monthly with both virtual and in-person options.
Passionate about suicide prevention in Lehigh County? The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County is welcoming new Action Team members. As a member, dedicate as much time and attention your schedule will allows to support this important initiative.
Everyone has a role in suicide prevention and The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County provides a range of in-person suicide prevention trainings for different groups. Trainings available include QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), and Mental Health First Aid, all are suitable for anyone.
Completing a training enables individuals to become a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper. A Gatekeeper can identify risk factors and warning signs that someone they know may be considering suicide.
Question. Persuade. Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. QPR Training instructs individuals on 1) identifying the warning signs of suicide; 2) how to talk to someone who may be at risk for suicide and persuade them to get help; and 3) directing at-risk individuals to support.
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. ASIST is a 2-day training that teaches participants how to:
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Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and others how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
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The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County collaborates with skilled speakers to engage and educate audiences of all sizes on topics like suicide prevention, intervention, postvention, trainings, and more. Our speakers share their knowledge through various formats, including keynote speeches, moderated conversations, Q&A, virtual presentations, fireside chats, and more.
Data derived from CDC.gov, ASFP, and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
Have questions about the organization or want to learn more? Please use the form below.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, a crisis or thinking about suicide, please call or text 988 lifeline.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, or if someone you know is in crisis. Call. Text. Chat.
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