Since it is impossible for family doctors, counselors and mental health professionals to know everyone who needs help, the answer to the question: Who needs to know QPR?Everyone!

A gatekeeper is anyone in a position to recognize a crisis and warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. This could be you.

Gatekeeper training takes about 1 hour and is available to any interested groups in the community. We have 3 certified trainers in the county if you are interested please call Deb Heim at 621-2894 or Shannon Stefanisko at 621-2734.

WHEREAS, more than 40 million Americans of all ages suffer from a mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder and serious emotional and behavioral disturbances.

WHEREAS, suicide is the 11th ranking cause of death in the U.S. and the 3rd ranking cause of death in young people.

WHEREAS, nationally a suicide is attempted on an average of once every 39 seconds and a suicide is completed on an average of once every 16.1 minutes. Given that each suicide intimately effects at least 6 other people, there are 6 new survivors every 16.1 minutes.

WHEREAS, suicide cuts across ethnic, economic, social and age boundaries and Schuylkill County’s suicide rate is higher than the national and state average. In 2009 we lost 34 residents in Schuylkill County ranging in age from 10 to 67, this increased from 19 in 2008.

WHEREAS, The Schuylkill County MH/MR Program and the Suicide Prevention Task Force as a strategic partnership with VISION is continuing to enhance relationships with families, community businesses, schools and agencies to raise community awareness and provide education . << read more >>

The Diabetes Taskforce Forum on November 6, 2009 was a great success. Unfortunately, the seasonal flu vaccine that was available for diabetics on the day of the forum in past years was not available at the forum this year.  The good news is that seasonal flu vaccine is now available for diabetics at the Department of Health in Pottsville.  Please call the office at 621-3112 for an appointment.  The Diabetes Taskforce has also developed a new Schuylkill County Diabetes Resource Guide Booklet

A List of Health Care Providers in Schuylkill County << read more >>