Reports show suicide in the Centre Region is a growing issue.

A local group is hoping with educational courses it can put a stop to the growing trend.

In 2011 Jana Marie Vicere took her own life.

Shortly after, her sister Marisa started the Jana Marie Foundation.
She designed it to empower people to make positive decisions and raise awareness for mental wellness.

“Learning the words to ask the question are you thinking about killing yourself really wasn’t taught back then,” Vicere said. “Any time that we are educated and knowledgeable about ways to help people in our community, it’s beneficial to everybody.”

On Tuesday the foundation partnered with Mount Nittany Health for a QPR training course.
QPR stands for: question-persuade-and refer.
It’s intended to help you recognize someone who is having suicidal thoughts and guiding them to professional help.

Jeannine Lozier, Community Health & Outreach Coordinator for Mt. Nittany Health, said it’s important for the area-health care provider to support these issues.

“Cause we can’t do it alone and we know those organizations can’t do it alone. But together we believe we can make an impact,” Lozier said.

Lozier added that suicide is a growing issue in Centre County.
In the most recent Mt. Nittany Health assessment: Per 100,000 people, 10.9 suicide deaths occurred.
This is a one-point increase to the previous two reports.
Vicere hopes providing education and raising awareness can minimize those numbers.

“If we can save somebody else’s Jana, that is amazing,” Vicere said.
For more information on upcoming courses click here.

For additional resources click here.