Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

September 18, 2025

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a Call for Compassion and Action

As we recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, my heart is heavy with grief for our Franklin Regional community.

The recent loss of a life to suicide at Franklin Regional High School has left us all reeling – a stark reminder of the silent struggles endured by many and an urgent need to come together to support one another.

Being a state representative is one thing. But as a neighbor, friend, and parent of two Franklin Regional graduates, I believe this is a wound we all share and a call for us to act with compassion, awareness and resolve.

Suicide is a public health crisis that touches every corner of our society. In Pennsylvania, one person dies by suicide every five hours, and it ranks as the second-leading cause of death for those aged 10-34. These numbers are more than statistics. They represent our loved ones, our neighbors, our children and our friends. The recent tragedy at Franklin Regional is a painful reminder no community is immune.

Heartbroken as our community is, we must take action to remind those who need help that suicide is preventable. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month emphasizes that open, honest conversations about mental health can save lives.

We must remember that silence breeds stigma, but dialogue fosters healing. By talking about suicide, by asking someone if they’re struggling, by listening without judgment, by connecting them to resources, we can offer a lifeline. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by call, text, or chat, is a critical resource for anyone in crisis. Locally, the Westmoreland County Crisis Hotline (1-800-836-6010) and the Franklin Regional School District’s counseling services provide immediate support.

The 2024-25 General Fund budget increased the investment in school safety and security from $50 million to $100 million, which included funding for mental health initiatives in schools.

In addition, I supported legislation to include suicide prevention contact information on student identification cards in Pennsylvania schools, as well as on school websites.

But legislation and policy isn’t enough. What’s more important is action, including checking on friends, noticing when a loved one seems withdrawn and learning the warning signs of suicide. In Murrysville, community efforts like displaying purple lights and ribbons this month, as part of suicide prevention awareness campaigns, symbolize our solidarity and hope. These small acts remind us that we are stronger together, that every conversation and every gesture of care, can be a step toward saving a life.

To the Franklin Regional community: Our pain is real and it is shared. Let’s honor the memory of the life we lost by committing to action and fostering a community where no one faces their struggles alone. If you’re hurting, please reach out. If you’re worried about someone else, don’t hesitate to act. Together, we can create a culture of compassion, where every person knows they are valued, seen and supported.

Throughout September, let’s hold each other a little closer, talk, listen, and act, because one life lost to suicide is one too many, and together, we can make a difference.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Don’t Get Scammed! - Join us for a Scam Jam on Friday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Murrysville Community Center and learn how to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and common scams. Experts will be there to share tips and answer all of your questions. Call 724-387-9113 to register.

Hey Veterans, Let Us Honor You! - Veterans are invited to join me in celebration of their service at my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 – 11 a.m. at VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, Lower Burrell. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. This free event is open to all veterans who reside in the 55th Legislative District. Guest speakers will include Sen. Devlin Robinson, a United States Marine Corps veteran. To register, call the New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 or the Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113.

PFBC Offers Grants to Inspire Interest in Fishing and Boating - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating through the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as "R3."

The grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for projects conducted between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. The grants require a minimum of 25% match of total project costs. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, Dec. 1.

Organizations eligible for funding include school districts, universities and colleges, community and civic groups, sporting and conservation organizations, and local recreation departments. More information, including the application, can be found on the PFBC R3 Grant Program page on the PFBC website.


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper