Register here for the program at Berkshire Medical Center on Wednesday, February 11 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm.
Statistics count losses.
We’re here to start counting success.
The Problem
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with disproportionately high rates in rural communities.
Berkshire County is among the highest-risk regions in Massachusetts.
Each suicide affects more than a hundred people—family, friends, coworkers, neighbors.
The impact extends far beyond one life.
The Opportunity
Suicide prevention is already happening—and it’s often simpler and more practical than people realize.
SPEAK UP: Lean In brings communities together to:
- Learn how suicide has been prevented in real situations
- Use a simple, visual way to understand risk
- Hear true prevention stories from community members
- Identify small, voluntary actions anyone can take
- Connect local organizations, services, and trusted messengers
This program is designed to be:
- Accessible — no jargon, no judgment
- Adaptable — usable by any community
- Human — centered on care, not control
- Apolitical — focused on people, not devices
How Prevention Actually Works
Prevention does not require:
- Solving everything
- Controlling people
- Predicting the future
Prevention often looks like:
- Recognizing early warning signs
- Creating time
- Creating distance from lethal means
- Reducing stress in the moment
- Asking for help or involving a trusted person
- Simply showing up
Small actions can deflect risk away from loss—and toward success.
That’s what prevention looks like.
Presented By
Berkshire Medical Center
With support from The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
Christopher Barsotti MD – Emergency Physician, BMC ED, FireArm Strategy Team, American College of Surgeon Committee on Trauma
Brian Berkel – Board Trustee, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Detective Lieutenant, Massachusetts State Trooper (retired)
Joe Bartozzi, CEO National Shooting Sports Foundation
Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, MSW, LICSW, Division Director Acute Services, Brien Center
Luke Fitzgerald – Founder, Love of T Foundation
Register here for the event