Bucks County Officials Announce Suicide Prevention Initiative

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Concealed carry permits in Bucks County will now come paired with suicide prevention information thanks to a new joint initiative launched by Bucks County Administration and the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.

Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, and Sheriff Fred Harran announced the program’s launch in a video posted online.

“As a social worker, I’m concerned about people who feel suicidal. I also lost a child to suicide, so it’s something that’s very important to me,” Marseglia said. “I’m glad to be able to partner with Sheriff Harran on this important effort.”

As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, the new initiative looks to place lifesaving facts and resources in the hands of gun owners:

• Men over 55 are at the highest risk of suicide
• Access to firearms greatly increases the risk of suicide
• Suicidal feelings can come on suddenly and feel overwhelming
• Help is available

Going forward, the suicide prevention cards – which include a plea to those experiencing thoughts of suicide to call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – will be a “new constant” in the Sheriff’s Office, Harran said.

“As a law enforcement officer for 38 years, I can’t even begin to count the number of times that we had to tell a parent or a loved one that their loved one has died by firearm or suicide,” he said. “Call. We want to be here to help you in that time of crisis.”

For more information about Concealed Carry permits, visit the Sheriff’s Office’s website.

To learn more about the warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention, visit the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force’s website holdonyoumatter.com.