ADVISORY - HARRISBURG - During National Suicide Prevention Month, Shapiro Administration Highlights Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan to Support Mental Health of All Pennsylvanians

September 01, 2026 - Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY - HARRISBURG - During National Suicide Prevention Month, Shapiro Administration Highlights Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan to Support Mental Health of All Pennsylvanians

The Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services (PA DHS) and Corrections, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will recognize National Suicide Prevention Month and highlight the statewide Suicide Prevention Plan, a two-year, multi-agency action plan aimed at addressing the mental health needs of all Pennsylvanians and decreasing suicide rates in the Commonwealth.

The Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania, A Culture of Support and Action, is a collaboration of more than a dozen state agencies and the Governor's Affinity Commissions that outlines shared goals, provides resources for those seeking help with a mental or behavioral health crisis, and highlights Pennsylvania's alignment with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro supports behavioral health care and suicide prevention for all Pennsylvanians with the first-ever dedicated state funding for 988 and its network of 14 call centers in Pennsylvania. The budget invests $10 million for 988 to enhance its crisis intervention services, expand mental health resources, and maintain caring, professional, round-the-clock staffing. The budget also includes $5 million to maintain behavioral health crisis walk-in centers, prioritizing regions with limited access to immediate, in-person care and strengthening collaborations among hospitals, community providers, and local responders.

WHO:
PA DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Secretary Jen Smith
Department of Corrections Secretary Dr. Laurel Harry
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys
Senator James Malone
Shanon Ward, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center Manager of Crisis Intervention
Micah Dean, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania's VIBE (Voices Igniting Black Empowerment) Team

WHEN:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026; 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Main Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg

MEDIA RSVP: Press interested in attending must RSVP with the name of photographer/reporter to [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina, [email protected]

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