New suicide prevention program

The Prevention Network, located in Baden, debuted the county and region wide SOS, (Signs of Suicide) initiative in March.

The SOS Program will service all Beaver County schools that sign up to participate.  The program, according to a study in 2007 by the developers of the program, has a 40 percent success rate in reducing the number of suicide attempts per 100,000 people in the areas in which they studied.  The program has been funded through a $10,000 grant through Beaver County Behavioral Health.

Jeremy Angus, president and CEO of The Prevention Network states:

“We are thrilled to provide this vital need to the region.  We are excited to speak openly about this sensitive issue [suicide].” 

Juanita Smith, program director of The Prevention Network shares her story: “This program has and will save lives.  SOS stands for signs of suicide, an evidence based, award winning program used across the nation. Often times suicide is a fatal response to a treatable disorder. On one occasion a women had a plan, she had pills in her purse and intended on ending her life that day, but the intervention of this program truly saved her life.”

The Prevention Network is planning on continuing this program not only through the current school year but also into the 2014-2015 school year.

For more information contact Jeremy Angus at 724-561-7798.

The Prevention Network is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience, The Prevention Network offers programs that span a lifetime (pre-school programs through services to the elderly). Leading in the identification, creation and delivery of high quality intervention, prevention, education and treatment services that empower people to adopt healthy and self-sufficient lifestyles.