Lebanon County marks Suicide Prevention Month: Community events, hope, & healing

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering understanding around mental health and suicide prevention.

Between January 2025 and July 2026, 28 individuals within Lebanon County lost their lives to suicide. The Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force continues to spearhead local efforts, centered on the theme of “Help, Hope, and Healing.”Through education, open dialogue, and community connection, warning signs can hopefully be recognized earlier and lives can be saved.

“While even one life lost is too many, we are encouraged to see a decrease in the number of completed suicides within our county over the last two years,” Task Force co-chair Skyler Deitrick stated. “Our goal is to continue normalizing conversations about mental health, equip people with training and resources, and expand our crisis support county-wide. We want everyone to feel supported, and to know that help is always available.”

The Task Force is excited to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their Remembrance Garden this year, which will include the relocation of the space from Stoever’s Dam to Lions Lake. A re-dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 26th at 9:45 a.m., prior to the annual You Matter Walk at Lion’s Lake. Both the ceremony and the walk are open to the community and free to attend. If you would like to have someone’s name memorialized at the Remembrance Garden, please call 717-274-3415. 

2026 Schedule of Events

The Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force and its community partners have organized a wide array of educational, supportive, and memorial events throughout the fall:

• All Month Long: Power Up Purple!
   Light your porch with a purple bulb to spread awareness across Lebanon County.

• Sunday, Aug. 30: Kick-Off Event – Cash Bingo
  • Location: St. Cecilia’s Social Hall (750 State Dr., Lebanon)
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. (Doors open at 11:00 a.m.)
  • Details: Tickets will be $30 at the door.

• Sept. 2-4: Taking Action Training
  • Location: Lebanon County MH/ID/EI
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Details: Learn practical tools for creating a whole-health plan. Register by calling 717-517-8552, ext. 10.

• Thursday, Sept. 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
  • Time: 8:00 p.m.
  • Details: Light a candle in your window at 8:00 p.m. to remember loved ones lost, and stand in solidarity with survivors.

• Thursday, Sept. 17: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
  • Location: Lebanon County MH/ID/EI
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Details: Free gatekeeper training to recognize warning signs and guide someone to help. Register by calling Monica at 717-274-3415.

• Saturday, Sept. 26: Annual “You Matter” Suicide Prevention Walk & Garden Re-Dedication
  • Location: Lions Lake Park (Pavilion #1, New St. Entrance, Lebanon)
  • Schedule:
    • 9:30 a.m. – Walk Registration
    • 9:45 a.m. – Ceremony
    • 10:00 a.m. – Walk Begins
  • Details: Free and open to the entire community. This year’s event includes a special 10-year celebration and re-dedication ceremony for the Remembrance Garden, which has been permanently relocated to Lions Lake. Registration includes a free hat (while supplies last). Following the walk, participants are invited to stay for rock painting and reflection until 12:00 p.m.

• Save the Date — Remembrance Ceremony: Scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mansion @ 5th (450 Cumberland Street, Lebanon).

Ongoing & Save-the-Date Community Support

• Lebanon County Suicide Loss Support Group meets monthly on the third Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Compeer Office (519 Chestnut Street, Lebanon). This free support group is open to anyone ages 14 and older who has lost a family member or friend to suicide.

Crisis Resources & Support

If you or someone you know is in distress or struggling, immediate help is available:

• Lebanon County Crisis Line: 717-274-3363
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

For more information on events, local resources, and involvement, visit communityhealthcouncil.com/suicide or follow the Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force on Facebook at facebook.com/LebanonCountySPTF.