SPCCC September 2026 Newsletter

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Step Out of the Darkness; Be the Light!

Thank you to EVERYONE who attended, participated, volunteered, provided resources, co-hosted, supported, promoted, or came together in spirit for the 5th Annual Step Out of the Darkness Luminary Event in Marshall, MI, on September 10—World Suicide Prevention Day.

Whether you came to remember a loved one, stand alongside someone who is struggling, support a friend, or simply be part of something meaningful, your presence mattered.

When United STEPS first started this event in 2022, the goal was simple: bring people together. The SPCCC has been honored to co-host the event for the past four years, and looking at the photo above, it's safe to say: mission accomplished!

Thank you to everyone who helped create community, share hope, remember those we've lost, and remind one another that we don't have to face difficult moments alone.

'From awareness to action’: How construction’s suicide prevention efforts have changed constructiondive.com

Housing stability as suicide prevention: How VA is connecting the dots news.va.gov

Empowering students through Michigan suicide prevention OKAY2SAY wlns.com

Book Spotlight: When It Is Darkest

What happens when someone feels overwhelmed by life, and how can we better understand what they are experiencing?

In When It Is Darkest: Understanding Suicide and Its Prevention, psychologist Rory O’Connor explores the complex psychological processes that can lead someone toward suicidal thoughts and behavior. Drawing on research and real-world examples, O’Connor examines how people can become trapped in patterns of thinking that make suicide seem like a way out of unbearable pain.

The book explores the relationship between suicidal thoughts, feelings of defeat and entrapment, and the ways people respond to difficult circumstances. It also highlights the importance of understanding the person behind the crisis—not simply focusing on risk factors or warning signs.

Written in an accessible style, When It Is Darkest offers insight into suicide and its prevention without requiring a background in psychology or suicidology.

Why read it? Suicide prevention is not just the work of professionals—it is something we can all be part of. Understanding the experiences of those who struggle can help us become more compassionate, informed, and prepared to support one another.

When It Is Darkest is a meaningful resource for anyone interested in understanding suicide, supporting those who may be struggling, and building a community where people feel seen, supported, and connected.