SPAN Newsletter

December 2025

SPAN is bringing you the latest trainings, events, resources, and related news on suicide prevention in the Northern Virginia region. Please take a look at the offerings below, and feel free to reach out at suicidepreventionnva@fairfaxcounty.gov or take a look at our website https://www.suicidepreventionnva.org.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season

We know the holidays can be a challenging when dealing with loss and grief time. Please see below for some resources and reminders so you can take care this holiday season, and please feel free to share with your networks. Thank you to our partners NAMI Northern Virginia and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention National Capital Area for these resources!

Visit NAMI Northern Virginia Website

Podcast Episode: I'm Listening: Mental health around the holidays with AFSP's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Moutier. Listen Here

Blog Posts: Suicide Loss and the Holidays Read Here

Visit AFSP Website

Parents of Suicide Loss Support Group

The Parents of Suicide Loss Support Group meets on the first Sunday of the month in Manassas, VA and is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child to suicide. It is co-facilitated by peers, a suicide loss survivor and a suicide prevention advocate. If you are interested in attending, please email info@djcfoundation.org for more details.

Campaign Highlight

NEW PSA: The Ask. Talk. Connect. Suicide Prevention PSA video is live and available for use! This 30-second ad encourages people to reach out to their loved ones and to call 988 for support. You can find the PSA video on the SPAN website - please feel free to share with your networks.

Watch the PSA

Join SPAN's suicide prevention campaign:

ASK. TALK. CONNECT.

Speak up if you think someone is in crisis. You can start a conversation that could save a life.

Ask: Ask direct questions to people in crisis like, Are you thinking about suicide? How can I help? It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking someone if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal thoughts.

Talk: Support them in person or on the phone. Follow up once they are safe.

Connect: Help them connect to a support system so they have a network to reach out to for help 24/7. Connect them with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988), 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the Crisis Text Line (741741), or trusted family members, friends, coaches, clergy, co-workers, or therapists.

Download ASK. TALK. CONNECT. toolkit

Find Help At Your Local CSB

Each community has a Community Services Board (CSB), the public agency that provides services for people who have a mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. CSBs also provide Wellness and Prevention initiatives, including trainings such as ACE Interface (Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resiliency), Mental Health First Aid, REVIVE, and suicide prevention. They also can provide or connect you to resources such as locking medication boxes and drug disposal bags.

To get services, get trained, and learn more, connect with your local CSB. Click each location below to go to the local CSB website.

Prince William County

Check out the SPAN website for upcoming events, resources, and information. Share with your community partners, family, and friends!

SPAN Website

suicidepreventionnva@fairfaxcounty.gov

https://www.suicidepreventionnva.org/