Unifying Messaging Efforts This Suicide Prevention Month

As we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and American Indian/Alaska Native Hope for Life Day today, the Action Alliance and our partners remain committed to promoting messages that inspire hope, encourage help-seeking, and remind people that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. Throughout Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, thoughtful, consistent messaging can help increase awareness of available supports and encourage people to seek help when they need it. 

Research continues to show that people want to support one another - 95% of U.S. adults say they would take action if someone close to them was thinking about suicide. At the same time, the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released by SAMHSA provides important insights into mental health and substance use trends, reinforcing the need for clear, consistent, and evidence-informed communications. 

The Action Alliance’s Framework for Successful Messaging outlines key components to consider when developing public-facing communications about suicide. This includes: 

• Strategy: Plan and focus your messaging efforts.  
• Positive Narrative: Promote hope, connection, and actions people can take. 
• Guidelines: Follow messaging best practices.  
• Safety: Avoid content that may increase risk.  

As you continue with your Suicide Prevention Month outreach and year-round efforts, we encourage you to use the Framework to ensure your messaging is safe, effective, and aligned with best practices.

Share these tools widely and encourage your communities to take action and #BeThere for one another. 

During September, we reflect on the past year recognizing the Action Alliance's 15-year history of advancing suicide prevention through public-private partnership. We are grateful to the many organizations, leaders, and champions whose collaboration has helped strengthen the national response to suicide prevention. 

As we begin our 16th year, we remain focused on the work ahead: strengthening partnerships, promoting hope, and advancing actions that can help prevent suicide.

Leadership Updates

As the Action Alliance continues advancing its Strategic Priorities, we’re strengthening our leadership and capacity to support this work. Earlier this year, we welcomed Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH, as Deputy Director of Strategy.

With more than three decades of leadership in suicide prevention, Dr. McKeon brings extensive experience advancing national initiatives, shaping policy, and fostering collaboration across sectors. His expertise will help guide the Action Alliance as we continue implementing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and working alongside partners nationwide. Learn more. 

We also welcomed Chris Thomas, co-founder and CEO of The Defensive Line, as Private-Sector EXCOM Co-Chair. His leadership and commitment to youth mental health and suicide prevention will strengthen our collective efforts.

Several new EXCOM members also joined the Action Alliance, bringing varied expertise and perspectives to advance our shared work.

Meet our Executive Committee members. 

Suicide prevention is a year-round effort. Visit the Action Alliance website to explore messaging resources, partner initiatives, and other opportunities to take action. Follow us on social media for updates throughout September and beyond.

From reflections shared by Action Alliance Committee Members and attendees at the May 2026 EXCOM meeting. Follow us on social media for more reflections throughout #SPM26 and beyond.

Click below to learn more about each observance and explore ways to get involved this September:



• September 8: 988 Day
• September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
• September 10: American Indian/Alaska Native Hope for Life Day
• September 13-19: National Suicide Prevention Week
• September 14-18: Construction Suicide Prevention Week
• September 17: National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
• September 24 - 26: National First Responder Suicide Awareness Days
• September 1-30: National Recovery Month

info@theactionalliance.org

theactionalliance.org

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) is the public-private partnership for suicide prevention in the United States. Founded in 2010, the Action Alliance brings together leaders, experts, and resources from the public and private sectors to steward and advance the goals and objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) – the roadmap for a comprehensive approach to preventing suicide. The Action Alliance’s Secretariat, which serves as the home for strategy, communications, and operations for the Action Alliance partnership, is supported as part of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) through a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Action Alliance is funded through both public and private sector support. Learn more at theactionalliance.org and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following the Action Alliance on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.