ARMSTRONG COUNTY — A suicide prevention group in Armstrong County is planning a series of community presentations, some of which will be along the Butler/Armstrong county line.

The Armstrong County Suicide Prevention Task Force — a group of government officials, religious leaders, and medical and social specialists — was formed this year to create awareness of the issue and to help people with suicidal thoughts and depression, said Fred Neal, the pastor of Harvest Community Church in Kittanning and a member of the group.

“Suicidal thoughts are common and should never be ignored,” Neal said. “There is help and hope.”

The group will have meetings in Freeport, Chicora, Karns City and Parker for a public training program that will show residents how they could respond to someone they know is having suicidal thoughts.

Neal said the dates for those sessions have not yet been set.

Meetings also will be scheduled in other areas of Armstrong County.

The program is part of a national effort to teach people three basic principles — question, persuade and refer — when responding to someone who is dealing with suicidal thoughts.

Neal said the group wants to arrange presentations to community groups. For those sessions, the group is asking for a donation of $2 to $5 per person.

“We are just trying to get the information into the hands of as many people as we can,” Neal said.

People with questions can e-mail the group at sptfarmstrongcounty@gmail.com