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Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, is taking a proactive approach in addressing suicide, particularly among veterans, by establishing a new review board dedicated to studying and understanding these tragic losses. The initiative is one of the first in the state, aiming to analyze suicides in the county, explore factors that may have contributed, and ultimately find ways to prevent them. This effort follows the somber statistic that 60 residents in the county died by suicide last year, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive mental health strategies.
The newly formed board, set to begin its work in January, comprises 20 members from various sectors, including law enforcement, human services, and child services. Led by Heather McLean of Mental Health America of Southwestern PA, the board will review cases of suicide in the county, carefully examining the life circumstances of each individual. All personal information will be anonymized, and families will be notified before reviews commence. The board’s primary goal is to pinpoint possible intervention points that could have helped prevent each death.
According to the Trib Live news site, a significant focus of the review board will be on veterans, who are at a higher risk of suicide. Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their civilian counterparts, with female veterans facing a 2.2 times higher risk. National data shows that in 2021, veterans accounted for around 14% of adult suicide deaths. In Westmoreland County alone, there are approximately 22,000 veterans, highlighting the importance of a focused approach to support this vulnerable population.
This initiative is part of a broader effort funded by a $600,000 grant awarded to the state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Westmoreland and York counties will pilot this suicide mortality review program, providing annual reports and recommendations for state-level policy and potential legislative changes. If successful, this model could be replicated across Pennsylvania to address mental health needs more effectively.
One reason Westmoreland County was chosen for this pilot is its pre-existing LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team, which supports families impacted by suicide. Operated through Ray of Hope, the county’s suicide awareness task force, the LOSS Team provides resources and outreach to families, particularly focusing on veterans. In just over a year since its inception, the team has assisted the families of several veterans who died by suicide.
Lisa Goldberg, coordinator of Ray of Hope, believes the review board can make a significant impact, calling it "cutting-edge" in its potential to bring new strategies to suicide prevention. Beyond the review process, the grant will also fund community and professional prevention training sessions and facilitate the formation of a second LOSS Team to increase outreach.
The review board’s work may highlight how barriers within the mental health care system have affected suicide prevention efforts. Laurie Barnett Levine, director of Mental Health America of Southwestern PA, notes that the stigma surrounding mental health is slowly diminishing, especially among younger generations. However, there are ongoing issues with accessing mental health care due to workforce shortages and long wait times. Levine’s organization is working with state legislators to improve access and address insurance regulations that may hinder care.
Through the establishment of this review board, Westmoreland County is advancing a compassionate and collaborative approach to suicide prevention. By closely examining each case and identifying opportunities for intervention, the county hopes to bring about meaningful change and ultimately reduce the incidence of suicide, especially among veterans. As Pennsylvania watches the progress of this pilot program, the findings and recommendations could pave the way for statewide efforts to enhance mental health support and strengthen the resources available to at-risk populations.
If you or your loved one are struggling with mental health issues, reach out for help today! Our staff are highly qualified and experienced in the fields of addiction and mental health, and will tailor your treatment plan to your needs. Contact us to begin treatment in a safe and supportive environment.