September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted 8/26/21

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time for each of us to reach out to those around us and take steps to prevent suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s theme for the month is “Together, we can help #StopSuicide.”

A few years ago I lost my mother to suicide due to untreated mental illness. It is imperative that we address the issues of suicide prevention and mental illness because not only does it impact those with the illness and their families...untreated mental illness is often the cause of homelessness and incarceration which further impact society.

One action I’m taking this month to help #StopSuicide is contacting my public officials and urging them to prioritize funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and our local crisis call centers. In July 2022, the new 988 number will be fully operational as the universal phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This easy-to-remember three-digit number will increase access to vital mental health and suicide crisis supports. Calls are also projected to increase substantially when the 988 number goes fully live. NOW is the time to provide the funding to support our local crisis centers to meet the needs of more 988 callers.

Together, we can ensure that everyone in crisis has access to care should they need it.

Together, we can help #StopSuicide.

LTE, letter, editor, suicide, prevention, awareness, mental health, lifeline, hotline

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