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Suicide Prevention Plan PPU CARES: CONNECT - ASSESS - RESPOND - ENCOURAGE - SUPPORT

The Point Park University Counseling Center knows that at times the challenges of life can become increasingly difficult to navigate, and can lead to feelings of distress and thoughts of self harm. The PPUCC wants to ensure that all students, staff, and faculty are aware of the risk factors, warning signs, and resources available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. If you are someone your know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are many ways to get immediate help.

NATIONAL HOTLINES & RESOURCES

ON CAMPUS

  • University Police
    Point Park University Police (Public Safety) is available on campus 24/7, and may be contacted by dialing 2222 from any campus phone, or 412-392-3960 from any other phone. University Police may also be accessed by using one of the emergency boxes that are installed at various campus locations. At the touch of the button, the police are on their way to you.

OFF CAMPUS

  • Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
    UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, is open 24 hours a day for people of all ages. Provides mental health services, including emergency hospitalizations. For an emergency, please call 412-624-1000 or toll-free 1-877-624-4100.
  • Resolve Crisis Network
    Provides around-the-clock mental health crisis intervention, and stabilization services. If you are dealing with a problem, big or small, call Resolve Crisis Services— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — at 1-888-796-8226. Resolve provides free counseling and other mental health crisis support to Allegheny County residents.

Mental Health Support & Resources at the University Counseling Center


The Point Park University Counseling Center (UCC) addresses the mental health needs of the university community through a variety of services. We provide a safe, confidential environment for students to talk about personal or academic concerns. We assist students who need to connect with mental health resources in the community, and support staff and faculty who have concerns about the well-being of a student. We strive to promote students’ capacity for psychological growth and maturation through greater self-awareness and psychological insight.

At present, the center is able to provide a combination of in-person and online services. If you are interested in any service at the UCC, get in touch by email (counseling@pointpark.edu) or phone call (412-392-3977) to learn more, or schedule a screening or consultation. As an additional support and resource to students, we have launched a partnership with Joon, a teletherapy service designed specifically for young adults.

 

Resources for Employees

Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential counseling services for full time Point Park University employees and family members residing in the household. EAP solutions cover up to 6 visits per issue. www.lifesolutionsforyou.com Organization/company code: point

 

Local Support

Support Groups

 

National Support & Hotlines

 

Drop-In Centers

Drop In Centers
  • Chain of Hope Drop-in Center
    611 South Avenue
    Wilkinsburg, PA  15221
    (412) 247-5018
    Hours: M, T, Th, Sa, Su - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
    W, F - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Howard Levin Clubhouse*
    2621 Murray Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA  15217
    (412) 422-1850
    Hours:  M, T, W - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Th - 8:30 AM
    to 4:00 PM; F - 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • The Hub Drop-in Center
    26th Street at Smallman Street
    Pittsburgh, PA  15222
    (412) 338-0883
    Hours:  Weekdays - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Maverick Drop-In Center
    310 Central City Plaza
    New Kensington, PA  15068
    (724) 334-2386
    Hours:  Call as schedule changes monthly
  • Wellsprings
    903 Watson Street
    Pittsburgh, PA  15219
    (412) 263-2545
    Hours:  M, T, W, Th - 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM;
    F - 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

  •  * Denotes that participants must be referred by their mental health care provider.


Mental Health Advocacy Services

Follow the five action steps below for communicating with someone who may be suicidal. These steps are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention and are helpful in guiding conversations.

ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people  if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.

BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide  may reduce suicidal thoughts.

HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.

HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact  can play an important role in suicide prevention.

Learn more about suicide prevention and the #BeThe1To campaign.

Warning Signs

  • Talking about suicide, wanting to die, kill oneself
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
  • Having a plan for carrying out suicide
  • Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless, or having no reason to live
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Suddenly happier and calmer, especially after a period of depression or sadness
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Getting affairs in order; making arrangements
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Acting anxiously or agitated; behaving recklessly.
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawal from or changing in social connections/situations
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
  • Recent increased agitation or irritability

Risk Factors

  • Diagnosis of depression
  • Previous suicide attempt
  • Family history of suicide
  • Loss of job, home, money
  • Death or terminal illness of a loved one
  • Divorce or loss of a major, significant relationship
  • Loss of health, either real or imagined
  • Someone close to the person has completed suicide
  • Recent disappointment or rejection
  • Being expelled from school/fired from job
  • Sudden loss of freedom/fear of punishment
  • Victim of assault or bullying
  • Questioning gender

Reference: Prevent Suicide PA website.

 
  • If you call 9-8-8:
    If you call 988, you will  first hear a greeting message. You are given choices of who to connect with in the greeting; the 988 Lifeline has specially trained counselors for Veterans (through the Veterans Crisis Line, operated by the Veteran’s Administration), and Spanish speakers. Your call is then routed to one of the national networks or a local 988 Lifeline network crisis center based on your selections and then based on your phone’s area code. A trained crisis counselor answers the phone, listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources if needed.

  • If you call Mobile Crisis:
    Your location and name will be inquired about by the caller. They might also inquire about the type of insurance you have since this information will be helpful if they need to contact care. They will listen to you and offer support and encouragement as you discuss what is going on and how you are feeling. They will offer to follow up with you and put you in touch with resources like counseling if, after talking with you, you start feeling better. A crisis worker will come meet you at a location of your choice if you believe that you are still in crisis. They will then talk with you and assist you in determining what kind of assistance you require. If the crisis worker, whether in person or over the phone, believes you are in imminent danger, they will call for an emergency response.

  • If you go to an Emergency Room:
    Bring an identification document, insurance card, emergency contact information, and an extra change of clothes, if feasible. The check-in clerk will meet you when you arrive. Tell them why you are in the area. You might need to wait in the waiting area for a while depending on how serious the situation is. A nurse, an emergency room physician, a social worker, and sometimes a psychiatrist will examine you. They will take your vitals even though you are there for suicide thoughts. They will decide whether to admit you after speaking with the necessary assistance or look for another facility that can help you further.

  • If you go to a Psychiatric Hospital:
    The procedure resembles an ER in every way. It is likely that a social worker, intake worker, and psychiatrist will assess you. This process may take a few hours. The social worker at the hospital can assist in making referrals to community resources such as counseling, support groups, or your neighborhood community mental health center if the evaluation results show that you do not require inpatient treatment.

 

Suicide Prevention & Postvention Communication Plans

Suicide Prevention Communication Plan

Point Park University’s Counseling Center, in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs, will distribute suicide prevention communications twice annually: at the beginning of the Fall (September) and Spring (January) semesters. These messages will be shared via email with both students and employees and will include suicide awareness information along with links to free crisis response and mental health resources found on the Suicide Prevention Plan webpage.

Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, the Counseling Center will also promote mental health and stress management resources via its Instagram account (@lets.talk.ppu).

In addition, the Counseling Center will host a suicide prevention event each semester: 'Lights for Life' in September and an 'Out of the Darkness Walk' in April. The Center will also partner with Pioneer Ambassadors to implement a suicide awareness campaign featuring 'Find Your Anchor' boxes as part of ongoing outreach throughout the academic year.

Postvention and Communication Plan

In the event of a confirmed student or employee death, the university will promptly provide support services and communicate directly with impacted students, faculty, and staff. The Office of the President, Counseling Center, Human Resources, and Student Affairs will coordinate with Public Relations to ensure accurate and timely information is shared with the appropriate parties. Email: counseling@pointpark.edu

Email: counseling@pointpark.edu
Phone: 412-392-3977