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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.
This May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to uplift mental well-being, reduce stigma, and strengthen the connections that keep our community safe and supported. SPAN is committed to bringing together partners across the region to promote suicide prevention, share resources, and ensure that help is always within reach.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat via the 988 Lifeline to connect with trained counselors. You are not alone—and together, we can build a more connected, compassionate Northern Virginia.
| | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | |
Mental Health Awareness Night at Nats Park
NAMI Northern Virginia is partnering with the Washington Nationals baseball team for a Mental Health Awareness Night this month!
On May 21, for the Mets vs. Nationals game (4:05 PM), NAMI NoVA will have a table in the main gate area (visit and win a free t-shirt!), a 30-second pre-game PSA, and a pre-game on-field recognition. See you at the ballpark!
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Alexandria Youth Mini-Grants Supporting Youth Mental Health
Through SPAN youth mini-grant funding, three Alexandria organizations are launching innovative, youth-led mental health initiatives focused on reducing stigma, building resilience, and increasing peer support.
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Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia will engage youth through art-based activities, peer discussions, and wellness programming that empowers young people to explore mental health, build coping skills, and strengthen self-advocacy.
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Carpenter’s Shelter is launching Level Up: Real Talk Youth Initiative, where youth leaders will design and lead wellness activities, peer conversations, and interactive events supporting youth experiencing housing instability.
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Tenants and Workers United (TWU) will lead We Break Stigma: Mental Health Matters Every Day, a youth-driven awareness campaign featuring school outreach, social media engagement, wellness activities, and community events led by Alexandria youth leaders.
Together, these projects are helping elevate youth voice, expand mental health awareness, and create stronger support systems for young people across Alexandria.
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SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit Available
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and SAMHSA has provided a Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit with the resources you need to show up for this month, in your channels, your conversations, and your communities.
What's inside the toolkit:
We encourage you to pick the tools that fit your audience. Download, share, and make the toolkit content your own.
See the Person. Support the Journey. One powerful message that the people in your life, your community, and your networks need to hear this May.
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New Suicide Data and Visualizations Available
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has released new visualizations of the latest suicide data as well as free slide decks. Explore the latest insights and download resources to support data-informed prevention efforts.
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Words Matter: How Language Can Support Suicide Prevention
The language we use when talking about suicide and mental health matters. Compassionate, person-first language can help reduce stigma, create safer conversations, and encourage people to seek support when they need it most. The National Center for Health and Justice Integration for Suicide Prevention (NCHATS) developed a Suicide Prevention Language Toolkit to help individuals and organizations choose respectful, supportive language that promotes understanding and hope.
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Study Links 988 Lifeline to Decline in Youth Suicide Rates
New research in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds the 988 Lifeline rollout is associated with an 11% drop in youth suicide rates, with greater impact in states answering more calls.
| | 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.
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More Good Days Together: Breaking the Silence, Building Support
Loudoun County Dept. of Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services
Featuring panelists from the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services; Loudoun County Public Schools; Loudoun Serenity House and the Loudoun County Community Services Board
When: Thursday, May 28th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET
Where: In Person, Sterling Community Center
120 Enterprise Street, Sterling, VA
No Advanced Registration Required
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Check out the SPAN website for upcoming events, resources, and information. Share with your community partners, family, and friends!
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