November 20, 2025 by Isaiah Warfield November 22, 2025, is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. In 2023, there were nearly 50,000 reported deaths by suicide in the U.S. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 174 deaths by suicide occurred in 2024. The impact of suicide deeply affects families, friends, and communities. It is a heartbreaking reminder of an increased societal need to normalize routine discussions about mental health, offer increased prevention services and to intensify responsiveness and postvention services to survivors of such a tragedy. For our team at the Jefferson Regional Foundation, the proximity to both the living grief and enormous strength of survivors is close. Our esteemed colleague, Kelleigh Boland, Director of Grantmaking and Strategy, candidly shares her story with local and national audiences. As a survivor which resulted from the loss of her beloved brother, Patrick, Kelleigh transforms her pain into action by sharing her journey which resulted in the co-founding of a nonprofit organization with her mother, Lori Butler. Our Black Rose is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the unique grief of suicide survivors while honoring the life of their loved ones. Upon requests, the team at Our Black Rose provides loss survivors with free care packages that include a letter from the Butler-Boland family, remembrance plant seeds as a sign of continued life, a journal, tote bag, and resources from the Allegheny County Bar Association, American Association of Suicidology, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Highmark Caring Place. The care packages are an effort to provide support and comfort to suicide loss survivors and let them know that they are not alone. Understanding Local Impact According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to make attempts three times more than men. Although a mental health diagnosis is not a sole factor, both Our Black Rose and the CDC indicate that mental health conditions strongly increase the risk of suicide. This significant public health issue highlights the importance of the 2021 County Health Rankings which indicate that residents within Allegheny County experience an average of approximately five “mentally unhealthy” days per month. Consequently, prevention efforts that include screening for mental health needs, the provision of linkage to treatment and the elimination of barriers to access to care are important. Additionally, understanding the impact of suicide as a public health issue and the remaining profound effect it has on grieving loved ones stresses the significance for support offered to survivors who experiences intense grief, complex emotions, and unique challenges, thereby emphasizing the importance of highlighting resources that are available. Available Local Resources Survivors of suicide loss can access both emotional and practical support through a variety of resources. Our Black Rose offers guidance for navigating grief. For additional information, visit their website here. AHN Jefferson Hospital hosts a free 12-week grief support group through its Mission and Support Services Department. Sessions provide a safe and structured environment for survivors to share their experiences, process grief, and build connections with others who have experienced similar losses. Each group is limited to 12 participants, and sessions are held on Wednesdays from May 21–August 6 or August 20–November 5 at the Jefferson Hospital, Bibro Building. Interested individuals can RSVP by calling 412-469-5187 or emailing Lisa.Balcerek@ahn.org. The Highmark Caring Place offers specialized bereavement support for children, families, and young adults. In addition, a virtual support group program for ages 18–30, Journey to HOPE, provides peer connection and coping strategies. For more information, contact 888-224-4673 or visit their Pittsburgh location at 620 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) provides general legal information. Their Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with pre-screened attorneys for a free 30-minute consultation, ensuring personalized guidance and support. For more information, visit getapittsburghlawyer.com or call 412-261-5555. What Can You Do to Help? International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day reminds us that support and connection to people who are dealing with a uniquely isolating experience is important. Further, it raises awareness about the multiplying impact of suicide within our community and encourages openness about the stigma of a public health issue and the need to offer compassion and grace. References Allegheny County Health Department. (2022). 2022 Community Health Assessment. Allegheny County Health Department. Retrieved from https://www.alleghenycounty.us/files/assets/county/v/1/government/health/documents/healthier-allegheny/achd-cha-12-01-2022.pdf Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. (2024). Suicides in Allegheny County Dashboard. Allegheny County. Retrieved fromhttps://tableau.alleghenycounty.us/t/PublicSite/views/SuicidesinAlleghenyCounty/Trends Allegheny Health Network. (2021). Jefferson Hospital community health needs assessment (CHNA). Retrieved from https://www.ahn.org/content/dam/ahn/en/dmxahn/documents/about/caring-for-our-community/community-health-needs-assessment-jefferson-2021.pdf Allegheny Health Network. (2024) Community Health Needs Assessment: AHN Jefferson Hospital 2024 Report. AHN. Retrieved from https://www.ahn.org/content/dam/ahn/en/dmxahn/documents/about/caring-for-our-community/2024/ahn-jefferson-hospital-chna-2024-report.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Risk and protective factors for suicide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/risk-factors/index.html County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2021). Poor mental health days – Allegheny County. University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Retrieved from https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/population-health-and-well-being/quality-of-life/mental-health/poor-mental-health-days
