Mental Health Awareness & Support in Pennsylvania

The April T. Bocian Foundation is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness, depression education, and suicide prevention advocacy. It honors April Bocian’s memory by sharing support resources, promoting compassionate conversations, encouraging volunteer involvement, hosting fundraising events, and partnering with organizations and initiatives that expand wellness and prevention outreach.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For suicide-related crisis support in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. A trained counselor can provide confidential support, help de-escalate a crisis, and discuss next steps.

Yes. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available throughout Pennsylvania and across the United States, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or text 988, or use the Lifeline’s online chat options, to connect with a trained crisis counselor. It is intended for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or concern for another person.

The foundation focuses on mental health awareness, suicide prevention advocacy, community involvement, and connections to resources. It is not presented as a provider of clinical counseling, psychiatric care, diagnosis, or emergency treatment. People seeking ongoing mental health treatment should contact a licensed mental health professional, healthcare provider, or appropriate local behavioral health service.

Community members can support the foundation by volunteering at events, helping share mental health awareness messages, contributing their skills, or assisting with fundraising efforts. Volunteer opportunities may vary by event and current needs. Reach out directly to the April T. Bocian Foundation to discuss your interests, availability, and meaningful ways to participate in its mission.

The annual Golf Outing brings participants, teams, sponsors, and community supporters together to raise funds and awareness for the foundation’s mission. It creates an approachable setting for collective action while supporting mental health and suicide prevention advocacy. Participants can register teams, and businesses or individuals can explore sponsorship opportunities connected with the event.

EmpowHer is a retreat program supported by the April T. Bocian Foundation that centers women’s mental health, wellness, empowerment, and connection. It is one of the initiatives associated with the foundation’s broader commitment to promoting emotional well-being and reducing isolation. Information about retreat programming and participation is available through the EmpowHer Retreat website.

Start by listening without judgment, acknowledging the loss, and avoiding pressure to “move on” or explain their feelings. Offer practical help, check in consistently, and encourage connection with grief, mental health, or survivor-support resources when appropriate. If you are worried someone may be in crisis, ask directly about safety and contact 988 for guidance.