Flag raised in Allentown to mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | Allentown Area

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

People gathered in Allentown Tuesday afternoon to get the word out and remember the loved ones they’ve lost. A suicide-awareness flag was raised outside the Lehigh County Government Center.

It marked the start of a month-long series of community events centered around suicide prevention and awareness.

There was also a moment of silence.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said it’s important to be transparent and not be afraid to talk about suicide.

“When our community understands what is happening, we have a better opportunity to educate people, to raise awareness, to reduce stigma and to hopefully prevent another family from experiencing this kind of loss,” Buglio said.

Buglio said there have been 34 suicide deaths in the county so far this year.