As part of Northampton County’s Suicide Awareness Month Sept. 27, Executive Lamont McClure highlighted the important work of key individuals who are part of the Warm Handoff program.

The program aims at helping suicide attempt survivors who are inpatients at the Lehigh Valley Hospital–Mulhenberg. Upon discharge, they are assigned a case worker who will help with a variety of things, from assisting with understanding insurance to linkage with peer and community support within the county.

The individuals behind the scenes are the key to the success stories associated with the Warm Handoff. While recognizing the work of Chelsey Jones, Jaclyn Hudak and Thomas Herstich, all part of the county’s Warm Handoff program, McClure made it clear that “we have faith that your efforts are not only going to bear fruit but are bearing fruit in saving folks’ lives.”

Jones, the county program specialist, was recognized for her work with QPR, which refers to Question, Persuade and Refer. Jones is credited for training a total of over 400 individuals from county staff, schools and various community organizations.

McClure said, “People trained in QPR to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.”

Jaclyn Hudak, a Community Health Liasion with the St. Luke’s University Health Network, was also recognized for her work in suicide prevention. She stated how appreciative she is “to be able to help people help people.”

Corrections Treatment Coordinator Thomas Hertish said the importance of his officers looking out for each other is also very important. “They have an important job” and he reminded everyone how they face huge stress in their work.

Executive McClure concluded his press conference by reminding everyone of the importance of after-care, and ensuring that those in need receive the support and resources available to them.