american foundation for suicide prevention

October 28 29 Getting ready for Halloween. Dr. Nancie Fitch, an emergency physician with MedExpress in Wilkes Barre starts us off with great safety reminders for a fun filled time!   It’s the 12th year for FARE’s (Food Allergy Research Education) Teal Pumpkin Project. It’s designed to make trick or treating more inclusive for those with food allergies or food intolerance.  Tiffany Leon is FARE's Assistant Director of Training and Professional Programs. She joins us with the details. The Wyoming Valley Art League presents “Fine Taste, Fine Art” this coming Thursday evening. Enjoy the wonderful art on display while enjoying delicious food, desserts, local brews, wines and coffee. Colleen Logan and Kyle Stratton have your invitation. Audacy’s Lissa from 98.5KRZ has your reminder of the big corn hole tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society happening next weekend. One of Santa’s favorite helpers Tom Fritz is here with details on the Santa Parade coming to downtown Scranton.  October is Children’s Mental Health Month. As part of Audacy’s I’m Listening series, Victor Armstrong from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention joins Audacy's David O'Leary to shine a light on Children's Mental Health. 

October 21 22  Coming up this Tuesday October 24 is World Polio Day. In a world now where the focus is on COVID-19 or RSV, you may think, why are we still talking about Polio?  Joseph Riccardo Jr is Foundation Chair of the Rotary Club of Scranton. He’s here to tell us why and invite you to a panel discussion that will focus on eradicating polio, as well as pandemic preparedness and making the world a healthier place.  October is Children’s Mental Health Month. As part of Audacy’s I’m Listening series, Dr. Christine Moutier Chief Medical Officer from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention joins Audacy's David O'Leary to shine a light on Children's Mental Health.  This past week marked World Sight Day.  KT Overbee  is CEO of HCP Cureblindness. Their mission is to help the 80% of these people who have a treatable or avoidable form of blindness. World Sight Day is to encourage people to be proactive in retaining sight with vision checks.  It’s a big event when kids lose a tooth..but what happens when you get older? Most people think it only happens if you are involved in sports but accidents do happen. Dr. Craig Hirschberg is President of the American Association of Endodontists. He tells us there’s a very specific set of steps you can take if you knock out a tooth, to ensure maximum chance of saving the tooth.

In the news today: For our first headline of the day focusing on campus news, MSU board to vote on 7% rate increase for dorms, dining plans. For our second headline focusing on more campus news, MSU hires external firm to review university response to mass shooting. For our final headline of the day focusing on culture, 'Out of the Darkness' walkout raises awareness for suicide prevention.

10 22 23  Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer Dr.Yolanda Graham, M.D specializes child and adolescent psychiatry with a focus on sex trafficking in children.  Cathy Rist Strauch is here to tell us about a special Halloween murder mystery you won't want to miss. Rebecca Rybak Coordinator of the Northeast Highway Safety Program has tips on Halloween Safety.  Sarah Chavarria, President, Delta Dental Insurance Company the impact oral health has on overall wellness and the need to make it a priority.  Dr. Doreen Marshall, Vice President of Mission Engagement, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizing the signs. 

July 16 17  An Audacy Mental Wellness Initiative, Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in conversation with Riggs, morning host at Audacy station 103.7 KISS-FM in Milwaukee about the new 988 number to call for help for any type of mental health or suicide related crisis. Camping season is underway at the second oldest Girl Scout camp, Camp Archbald in Kingsley. Camp Director Jamie Puchalski tells us what campers have in store.  Automotive journalist and road trip enthusiast Nik Miles is currently traveling with  MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) road rally that traveled through our area this week on the way from Vermont to South Carolina. They are raising money for Best Friends Animal Society. He also has tips on how to find amazing vacation destinations within 150 miles of your home, how to safely take your dog on the road and other cost savings tips including using gas saving apps among others. The deadline to sign up for Pennsylvania State Police Troop N Law and Leadership Academy is fast approaching. Master Trooper David Peters has details on the program and how you can get involved.

In the news today: Panhellenic, Interfraternity Councils raise nearly $100,000 during Greek Week 2022. George Hinchliffe interprets classical music with his Ukulele Orchestra at the Wharton. Mitten Raised Bakery raising money to support the women and children of Ukraine. 

Today's guest is Alexandra Pirsos from the Mu Pi Chapter at Elon and she tells us about her chapter's Step it Up event, a week-long virtual steps competition benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Fall 2020 Virtual Award Submissions: Service

Jesse Putkoski, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Western Pennsylvania Chapter, joins the show to talk all about AFSP. Jesse gives us a full insight into what AFSP is, their mission, fundraising and local events that their chapter hosts each year.

We discuss a few topics on Suicide Prevention and some of the common signs or traits one might notice. Jesse gives some statistics for our area as well as nationally. Staggering to know how high of a rate Suicide is in our country.

Jesse will be doing a "Talk Saves Lives" presentation in Ellwood City on January 20th from 6PM-7PM. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention and what we all can do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors, how to spot the warning signs in others and how to keep ourselves, loved ones and those in the community safe.

This will be held at Mike's Main Street Bar & Grill in Ellwood City. RSVP are being taken by the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce 724-758-5501
-$10 Admission
-Free for Ellwood City Area Chamber Members
-Appetizers and Refreshments will be Provided


For more information on AFSP: https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-western-pennsylvania/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Suicide Prevention Text Line: 741-741