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.

Alexandria Youth Ambassadors Host a Conversation on Youth Suicide and Substance Use Prevention

On October 22, the Alexandria Youth Ambassadors hosted, "Cookies & Conversation: Connecting for Youth Suicide and Substance Use Prevention" at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in the City of Alexandria. The Alexandria Youth Ambassadors is a year-round educational employment program for high school students residing in the City of Alexandria. The students support community engagement efforts focused on: anti-violence, trauma healing, and social emotional learning. This event was a panel discussion with Alexandria youth mental health and substance use prevention experts Dr. Temi Aregbesola, Eleni Piner, Hope Sievers, and Dr. Karen Coad. It was moderated by Alexandria Youth Ambassadors Lela Sarala Gormley-Kibona and Jewel Harris. Allen Lomax, SPAN Leadership Council Chair, staffed the SPAN table to share suicide prevention information and resources, including the distribution of medication lock boxes and gun cable and trigger locks.

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.