Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Pennsylvania State Legislators signed Act 71 into law on June 26, 2014, to ensure that school districts are working to meet the needs of the children that they serve. Act 71 requires school entities to adopt a Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention Policy and to provide ongoing professional development in youth suicide & prevention in buildings serving students in grades 6 through 12.

As a result of this legislative action, the Cocalico School District adopted School Board Policy 819 on August 2015. The policy was reviewed in March 2022.

On July 16, 2022, “988” replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255). When a person dials “988” the number will route callers to a local crisis center based on the caller’s location. For more information, please click here.

In addition, Cocalico counselors and nurses created a packet of information regarding suicide prevention and awareness for parents of students in the Cocalico community. To access this information, please click here.


The following information was taken from an email from the PA Department of Human Services, ©2022.

IF YOU'RE IN CRISIS, REACH OUT NOW.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7.

  • CALL -  Dial 988
  • TEXT– By texting 988, individuals will be asked to complete a short survey to let 988 trained crisis counselors know more about their current situation. After finishing the survey, texters will be connected to crisis counselors.
  • CHAT – Lifeline Chat connects individuals with trained counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat.