Centre County group works to shine a light on suicide prevention

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Jana Marie Foundation held its annual Suicide Prevention Rally on Tuesday as one of the events they’ll be using to showcase that you’re not alone.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Suicide Prevention Week will take place from the 8-14th. Several people joined the foundation outside the Bellefonte courthouse for their annual rally. In 2022, Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 and 25-34 in Pennsylvania and it’s the 12th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and above.

The foundation’s president said that it’s a good chance to offer resources for those who need it and to remind everyone that they’re not alone.

“If you are noticing signs within yourself or within a loved one reach out call 9-8-8 or text 9-8-8 because there is going to be somebody with a caring voice on the other end of the phone with a listening ear able to assist you in those difficult times,” Marisa Vicere, President of the Jana Marie Foundation, said.

The foundation is dedicated to Jana Marie who was a Penn State University graduate and a part of the State College Area School District’s Community Education Advisory Board. According to the foundation, she struggled with depression throughout her life but had a generous heart and an unwavering commitment to helping people. In 2011, she lost her battle with depression and died by suicide.

In 2012, the Jana Marie Foundation was formed and uses its resources to promote the mental well-being of young people and their communities. The rally is just one of several events happening this month that they’re using to try and connect community members with the resources they need.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10 they’ll be hosting another event at the Boalsburg Fire Hall from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The event, “An Evening of Hope, Healing, and Remembrance,” will work to create awareness and educate the community on those who have been lost, those who have survived and break the stigma that surrounds suicide.

That event will feature a free meal and a candle-lighting ceremony. Keep up to date with events that they’ll be hosting in the future on the Jana Marie Foundation Facebook page .

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You can find a list of resources and programs that are designed to help those struggling with depression and other mental health problems here .

If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK

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