Suicide Prevention Alliance

06/22/2026

Lena Heilmann, Ph.D., M.N.M., is our Keynote Speaker on Day 1 of the upcoming 2026 Su***de Prevention Alliance conference, scheduled for August 4-5, 2026. Lena, Colorado's Director of Su***de Prevention, before leaving for the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention earlier this year, will discuss how she reduced su***de rates in Colorado by aligning comprehensive prevention strategies and implementing programs that promoted equitable approaches to all aspects of su***de prevention. Lena will also share the heartbreaking story of losing her sister and soulmate, Danielle, to su***de.

We look forward to seeing her and invite you to attend our conference to experience Lena's inspiring and insightful keynote presentation.

06/20/2026

Every conversation, every connection, and every resource shared at the 2026 Su***de Prevention Alliance Conference has the potential to save a life. By becoming a sponsor, your organization helps bring together mental health professionals, educators, faith leaders, first responders, healthcare providers, and community advocates who are working to prevent su***de and promote hope.

Your support helps provide education, training, resources, and meaningful conversations that strengthen our communities and expand access to su***de prevention efforts. Together, we can turn compassion into action and make a lasting impact.

💜 Join us as a sponsor and help build hope, inspire change, and save lives. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4qPgvPr
***dePrevention

Su***de Prevention Alliance is a non-profit organization solely dedicated to preventing su***de across the country.

06/20/2026

National Board of Directors and frequent collaborator for Su***de Prevention Alliance, Heidi Bryan, is showing off her new Su***de Prevention Alliance polo shirt! Heidi has some great ideas for SPA in which we hope to incorporate within the next few months. Stay tuned.

06/16/2026

SAVE THE DATE: On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Su***de Prevention Alliance will be holding a Faith and Su***de Seminar at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center, Harrisburg, PA. This FREE seminar is only open to Faith Leaders, Clergy, Chaplains, and Spiritual Providers. Lunch will also be provided.

Our goal is to equip Faith Leaders, Clergy, Chaplains, and Spiritual Care Providers with knowledge, skills, and confidence to address su***de prevention, intervention, postvention, and hope-centered support within their congregations and communities. Our belief is that Faith Communities can create a collaborative environment in helping those who are in crisis or those impacted by su***de.

More information coming soon!

06/15/2026

Our upcoming 2026 4th Annual Su***de Prevention Alliance Conference is approaching quickly! The event will be held on August 4-5, 2026, at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center in Harrisburg, PA.

Each year, our conference continues to improve. We have two amazing keynote speakers and twelve fantastic breakout sessions. Examples of our Breakout sessions include: "From Survival to Systems Change: How Lived Experience is Transforming Su***de Prevention," "Beyond Compliance: What Schools Need to Make Su***de Prevention Part of Everyday Practice," "Finding the Gift in Grief: Turning Passion and Pain into Purpose," and "AI and Adolescent Su***de Risk: Recognizing Digital Dangers and Protecting Vulnerable Teens." These are just a few of the presentations we will have.

We hope to see you in August!
Register here - https://pci.jotform.com/form/261025677957165

06/09/2026

CeaseFirePA is conducting a survey to ascertain the costs of when a family member, friend, classmate, neighbor, coworker, or someone else close to you dies by a firearm to su***de. Each year, more than 1,000 Pennsylvanians die by firearm su***de. While the medical costs associated with these deaths are documented by national data systems, the broader financial and community impacts are rarely captured. This project will develop the first comprehensive estimate of the full costs of firearm su***de in Pennsylvania. In doing so, it will strengthen the Commonwealth’s prevention strategy by demonstrating that firearm su***de is not only a devastating public health crisis, but also a significant economic burden borne by communities and taxpayers. This survey is designed to help us better understand these broader costs and support more effective prevention efforts across the Commonwealth.

If you would like to participate by taking the survey, please go here:
https://ceasefirepa.typeform.com/FullCostSurvey

06/04/2026

FREE ASIST (Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training) in Hershey, PA, sponsored by Dauphin County Aspire on June 22-23, 2026. See flyer for more information!

💚 Become a Lifesaving Link in Your Community 💚

Take the upcoming 2-day (June 22-23) FREE ASIST (Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training) at the Hershey Historical Center, 40 Northeast Center, Hershey, PA, and learn how to recognize when someone may be thinking about su***de, provide immediate support, and connect them to resources that can help save a life. Please email: [email protected] or call 717-329-2723 to register.

ASIST is the world's leading su***de intervention training and is designed for:
✅ Community members
✅ Educators
✅ Healthcare professionals
✅ Faith leaders
✅ First responders
✅ Anyone who wants to help

Every conversation matters. Every life matters. Su***de can affect anyone, but together we can make a difference.

06/01/2026

This Pride Month, Su***de Prevention Alliance stands in support of LGBTQ+ individuals, families, friends, and allies throughout our community.

While Pride is a time to celebrate authenticity, resilience, and love, it is also important to recognize that many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face challenges that can impact mental health, including discrimination, rejection, isolation, and stigma. These experiences can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and su***de.

Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us commit to:
✅ Creating safe and affirming spaces
✅ Listening without judgment
✅ Supporting mental health and well-being
✅ Standing against bullying and discrimination
✅ Connecting people to hope and help

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline by calling, texting, or using the chatline, anytime, 24/7.

At Su***de Prevention Alliance, we believe that hope starts with connection, and every life matters.

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

***dePrevention ***dePreventionAlliance

06/01/2026

Exciting news from Su***de Prevention Alliance - one of our Board Members, Williametta Simmons Sonpon, Ph.D., has written her first book, Healing Without Shame - Faith, Mental Health, and the Courage to Be Honest.

Healing Without Shame is a powerful call to break the silence surrounding mental health in faith communities. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist and ministry leader, Williametta combines professional insight with personal honesty to address the struggles of anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief that many believers carry in secret. Written for individuals, pastors, and congregations alike, this inspiring book invites readers to embrace compassion, courage, and healing—creating communities where no one has to suffer alone.

Healing Without Shame is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book through major retailers, including Amazon. Readers can also order Healing Without Shame at www.healingwithoutshame.com
Readers can learn more about Dr. Simmons and her work at
www.amazon.com/author/drsimmons and www.ipcswellness.com.

05/31/2026

Emily Chay, who lost her husband, Trooper Bryan Chay, to su***de, is pushing to change laws that su***des in the first responder field should be considered Line-of-Duty Deaths in Pennsylvania, which would provide financial benefits like health insurance and pensions to grieving families.

Minnesota and New Hampshire are the only states that provide death benefits to families after first responder su***des. Chicago was the first city to enact a measure in June 2022. Philadelphia is among a handful of other cities considering similar laws.

First responders suffer high rates of su***de, but when those deaths aren’t classified as line-of-duty, their families can lose insurance and other support.