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suicide prevention

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Young caregiver helping older lady to stand up

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is pleased to announce the issuance of Bulletin OMHSAS-22-06 titled “Revised Bulletin for Services to Older Adults.”

In 2019, Pennsylvania ranked 7th in the United States for the largest number of adults 65 and older. In the U.S., between 2020 and 2030, the number of older adults is projected to increase by almost 18 million, a 39% increase. The fastest growing segment of the population during the next two decades is expected to be in the age 85 and older group. Social isolation and limited access to supports negatively impact the well-being of older adults.

Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental illnesses are not a normal part of aging and should not be considered as such. As individuals age, the support networks utilized to help manage symptoms of a mental illness may change, resulting in individuals seeking services for the first time in their lives.

The development of depressive disorders occurs frequently in older adults, making it critical that comprehensive mental health evaluations are conducted based on presenting symptoms regardless of age. It is important for providers to evaluate for suicidality given that older adult males have the highest suicide completion rate of any age group.

Older persons diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, including dementia, who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress syndromes, and behavioral agitation, are guaranteed access to mental health services under laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.

If you have questions or concerns related to this bulletin, please email OMHSAS or contact your RCPA Policy Director.

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In the United States, September is acknowledged as Suicide Prevention Month, with the week of September 5–11 identified as National Suicide Prevention Week. Around the world, September 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. The goal of annual suicide prevention observances is to provide education and encourage advocacy around this public health challenge toward which prevention efforts can and should occur every single day.

This September, the theme of Suicide Prevention Month is Creating Hope Through Action. As communities here in Pennsylvania, nationwide, and around the world continue to experience the social, economic, and health-related impacts and disparities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, this theme offers an important opportunity to work together to promote awareness, provide support, and take action to prevent suicide.

Everyone has a role in preventing suicide. In recognizing Suicide Prevention Month, we can work to reduce the stigma around suicide, suicide attempts, and mental health challenges, and we can reinforce the message that help is available. The following guide offers a broad range of suicide prevention resources and strategies for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The information in this guide can be used during the month of September and throughout the year.

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