Suicide Prevention Website Launches in Lycoming County

Central Pennsylvania now has another launching pad to the world. Tuesday marked the debut of a new web site, http://www.lifeisworthliving.org/. The site is an outreach of the Lycoming County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Suicide Prevention Task Force of the United Churches of Lycoming County.

While many suicide prevention web sites focus on warning signs, treatment options and various avenues of assistance - both for the person contemplating suicide and the one who has lost a loved one to it - founder Joe Miller of Williamsport said that he wanted this one to be different.

"Rather than focusing on the devastation of suicide or tracking statistics, we wanted to accentuate the positive - specifically, promoting life itself as a much more desirable alternative to suicide." "The reality of the situation," Miller states, "is that there are countless people who have made suicide attempts, had suicidal thoughts or have battled serious depression and have emerged out of these situations realizing what a precious gift that life is. We wanted a place where this could be highlighted and celebrated."

LifeIsWorthLiving includes a listing for the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Hotline for those who may stumble upon the site and are considering ending their lives. There are also testimonials, resources and event listings. Visitors to the site may also submit testimonials of their own or request additional information, either directly from the web or via U.S. mail.

The site was developed by staff members of Kolb Net Works of Williamsport.

Next, according to Miller, is a series of public service announcements for radio and TV as well as pursuit of non-profit status as a 401c3 organization.

Folks interested in learning more may visit the site at http://www.lifeisworthliving.org/ or write Life Is Worth Living, PO Box 3622, Williamsport, PA 17701.