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Franklin County Draws Attention To Suicide Prevention In September

Human Services

September 10, 2026

On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners joined members of the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition in proclaiming September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month in Franklin County.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed September to be Suicide Prevention Month in Franklin County.

On average, one person in Pennsylvania dies by suicide every five hours. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Pennsylvanians ages 10-34 and the fourth-leading cause of death among those ages 35-44. Since 2000, Franklin County has lost 452 lives to suicide, including 11 individuals since the beginning of 2026.

Nationally, the statistics are just as troubling. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was responsible for more than 48,000 U.S. deaths in 2024, or one person every 11 minutes. Data also indicates that in 2024, 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a plan for suicide, and 2.2 million attempted suicide.

“Taking a moment to genuinely ask someone how they’re doing can truly make a difference,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but we encourage everyone to take that step toward honest, open conversations about the pressures that can lead to harmful thoughts, and to seek the support they need.”

By issuing this proclamation, the Franklin County Commissioners reaffirm that suicide prevention is a county priority, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Coalition through Healthy Franklin County. The commissioners urge residents and community leaders alike to commit to ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles with mental health.

Information on local resources and services is available by contacting the Franklin/Fulton Mental Health Program at 717-264-5387 or by visiting www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/mental-health-intellectual-developmental-disabilities-early-intervention-mh-idd-ei/. Resources are also available by dialing 211.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of immediate attention, help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week through the Keystone Health Crisis Intervention Program by calling 717-264-2555 or through walk-in services at local emergency rooms. Help is also available by calling or texting the National Suicide Lifeline at 988 or the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties’ Help Line at 717-264-2916.