Join us in September in recognition of
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
As we look to Suicide Prevention Month and Suicide Prevention Week (9/4-9/10) in September, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance)—the nation’s public-private partnership with 250+ partner organizations—once again encourages you to help elevate awareness about the important role we all play in suicide prevention and being there for others. It's important that our field continues working together to develop and promote consistent messages of hope and help-seeking. This is the second in a series of e-blasts aimed at equipping our partners with the necessary resources and tools to plan for and participate in this important national conversation about being there for others. To view the first e-blast on messaging about suicide, click here.
Highlighting the Role of All Americans
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The Action Alliance, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Education Development Center, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and The Harris Poll, conducted a national survey to better understand the general public’s perceptions on mental health, suicide, and suicide prevention. According to the survey, Americans overwhelmingly (93 percent) believe that suicide can be prevented, and most (95 percent) would take action to help someone close to them who was thinking about suicide. In addition, in the wake of COVID-19, a majority of those surveyed say it's more important than ever to make suicide prevention a national priority (81 percent).

However, the survey also found that most respondents identified barriers that keep them from discussing suicide with others (69 percent). These barriers included not knowing what to say (31 percent), feeling they don't have enough knowledge (28 percent), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19 percent).

These findings emphasize the importance of equipping all Americans with the necessary tools and resources to feel empowered to have these conversations, including providing the concrete, actionable steps they can take when it comes to suicide prevention. As we prepare for Suicide Prevention Month (#SPM22) in September, consider ways to encourage the public to be there for someone who might be struggling or is in crisis. Some examples of how someone can #BeThere include:

  • Check in with a friend by phone or text message to see how they are doing.
  • Invite a friend to meet for a physically-distanced coffee or meal together.
  • Send a handwritten card to let someone know you are thinking of them.
  • Learn the risk factors and warning signs.
  • Help connect someone who is struggling to professional care.
  • Share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number (800-273-8255), which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. For specialized care, military veterans may press ‘1.’
  • Note, starting July 16, 2022, those experiencing a suicide or mental health related crisis in the U.S. can call, text, or chat 988, which will connect folks to the existing Lifeline network of call centers. Learn more via: https://samhsa.gov/988.

Together, we are changing the conversation about suicide by countering myths and fear with information and action steps everyone can take. We all have a role to play in suicide prevention, not only during the month of September but all year long. To learn more, visit the Action Alliance's #BeThere page.
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The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) is the public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and make suicide prevention a national priority. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) grant, provides funding to Education Development Center (EDC) to operate and manage the Secretariat for the Action Alliance, which was launched in 2010.