LANCASTER, Pa. — On Tuesday, hundreds of people came out for Mental Health America of Lancaster County’s annual Suicide Prevention Conference. The conference comes as groups across Pennsylvania are stepping up to show their support to those who are struggling for World Suicide Prevention Day.
“When someone is in that kind of emotional distress and in need of help, we don’t want them to walk alone," said Dr. Michael Diller, a clinical psychologist for WellSpan Health.
In 2023, the Lancaster County Corner's Office recorded 77 deaths from suicide across the county. That was the highest number of suicide cases recorded in Lancaster County in the last 14 years.
Dr. Diller said the conference allowed people to learn more about helping those struggling with mental illness get the help they need.
“[This conference] brings in leaders, experts, and curious people around, ‘How I can do more in my community to help bring down the number of suicides?’”
Ryan Tatu, the CEO of Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, was among the speakers at the conference. He said all 126 beds at the hospital have been filled for the past two years, forcing some people to be turned away.
He said state lawmakers not only need to increase funding for mental health services—but also preventive programs to keep people out of the hospital.
“People are doing great work around preventative efforts," said Tatu. "How can we join them to build stronger preventative programs to keep people out of the hospital, so those who need it will always have a place to go.”
Dr. Diller said by learning more about spotting noticeable changes in someone’s thinking and mood, people can be able to lend a hand and get the help they need.
“That connection to let someone know that you’re there can be instrumentally life-altering, changing, and empowering for that someone who needs a little support at that time," said Dr. Diller.