08/06/2025
My deepest condolences to everyone affected by this su***de death and the loss of this beautiful soul. Please reach out to your professional association if this event triggers unexpected stress and trauma responses. There are local, statewide and national resources in every healthcare field to help people impacted by su***de. Developed in 2023 by the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention and the American Dental Association, the AFTER A SU***DE POSTVENTION TOOLKIT provides guidance for those responding to a su***de death for professional dental settings. Available for all dentists, dental students, and dental team members. Postvention is a term used to describe activities that help people cope with the emotional distress resulting from a su***de and prevent additional trauma and any potential for su***de contagion that could lead to further suicidal behavior and deaths, especially among people who may be at elevated risk for su***de. This toolkit was designed to help workplaces respond immediately in the minutes, hours, and days after a su***de as well as in the weeks and months it takes the community to heal and move forward. With the hope that it will never be needed, having a plan and resources in place before a crisis occurs will enable the dental team to respond in an organized, effective, and supportive manner.
"He loved music. He loved singing and playing and writing songs. He's a good boy," said Mason Porta's dad, Michael Porta. Mason, who graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in 2023, took his own life on June 15. He was one of two pharmacists in Lancaster who died by su***de in June: https://www.wgal.com/article/cvs-pharmacist-su***de-pennsylvania-lancaster/65500429 ***dePrevention
