Published: 09/10/2026
Gannon University is officially designated a PA Cares institution recognizing the University’s commitment to student mental health and suicide prevention and its efforts to ensure students have access to resources, support and crisis intervention services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently added ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ to its 2026–27 list of institutions designated as PA CARES Certified Suicide Prevention Institutions of Higher Education under Act 110 of 2018.
The designation comes as ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ joins communities across the nation in recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and connect students, faculty and staff with resources that can support mental health and well-being.
“Supporting the mental health and well-being of our students is an important part of our commitment to the whole person,” said Jodi Giacomelli, Ph.D., director of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s Counseling and Psychological Services. “The PA CARES designation reflects the work taking place across ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ to make sure our students know where to turn, have access to support and feel comfortable asking for help when they need it.”
The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that there are 1,100 suicide deaths per year among college students across the country. According to researchers at Prevent Suicide PA, suicide is the second leading cause of death on American college campuses. It is critical for institutions of higher education, like ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ, to proactively identify and implement policies, practices and strategies for addressing mental health issues and preventing student suicide.
“Suicide prevention is not something that can be addressed by one office or one person,” said Giacomelli. “It requires a community that recognizes the importance of connection, knows the signs that someone may be struggling and understands how to connect someone with help. This designation reinforces ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s commitment to creating that kind of community.”
To receive the PA CARES designation, institutions must develop and maintain a Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan that includes information about suicide prevention hotlines, crisis intervention services and access to mental health and counseling services, among other requirements.
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ continues to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention throughout September and beyond. World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, Sept. 10, an opportunity for the University to provide additional opportunities to encourage conversations about mental health for students, faculty and staff.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or concerned about a loved one can call or text 988 for support.
For more information about mental health and suicide prevention resources at Gannon University, visit /student-life/health-and-counseling/counseling-and-psychological-services-caps/.