September is national suicide prevention month. In Harrisburg this week, advocates came together to share stories and push for more awareness in every day life.

Around 2,000 Pennsylvanians died by suicide in 2023, according to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. They report that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 25 to 34.

This week, the Suicide Prevention Alliance, a non profit headquartered in Harrisburg, brought together advocates and survivors to mark World Suicide Prevention Awareness day.

“People who have lived experience, those who've had thoughts of suicide those who have attempted suicide. Those who lost loved ones to suicide here today— each story was impactful,” said Govan Martin, founder of the Suicide Prevention Alliance.

Tre Tipton was one of those speakers. A former college football player who attempted suicide four times, he now advocates for mental health across the state.

“It's ok not to be ok, but it's not ok to quit,” Tipton told an audience this week. "It’s ok to cry. It's ok to scream. If you've got a punching bag, and you gotta punch it a little bit, it’s okay. All those things are ok, but it's not ok to quit on you.”

While advocates encouraged each other, they also called on lawmakers to pass legislation that builds up mental health resources.

HB 564 would launch a public health campaign about the 9-8-8 suicide hotline.

SB 492 would require that 988 number to be on college student id’s.

SB 604 adds Pennsylvania to a National Counseling Compact, making it easier for therapists to be licensed.

"The Counseling Compact will let more licensed counselors serve Pennsylvanians and help us keep our own graduates in the field,” said Democratic Sen. Lisa Boscola, who sponsored SB 604.

"Every day matters when someone is reaching out for help, and getting more licensed counselors into Pennsylvania means better access and more appointments for people in crisis,” Boscola said.

The Suicide Prevention Alliance encourages communities that people don’t have to be a mental health expert to help someone get to better days.

“Just to know that somebody else cares, can really help them, you know,  just go, 'ok, I can take one more step tomorrow'.”

Taking time to ask your loved ones how they’re doing is really good, but anyone can also take some online training to get more skills to help in encouraging others.