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In September, Take Action to Prevent Suicide

August 20, 2019

In September, Take Action to Prevent Suicide

In September, we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8–14), and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). To help you get involved, EDC offers the following tips for taking action to prevent suicide this month.

 “We know from public opinion polls that most people believe suicide is preventable and want to help those who are struggling,” says Elly Stout, director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). “So our focus should be on telling people how they can get involved and what they can do to help prevent suicide in their communities.”

 Stay Informed, Take Action

  • Check out Suicide Prevention Month: Ideas for Action, a two-page resource sheet from SPRC with ideas to help anyone, anywhere, get involved.
  • Support the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) and its partners’ collective messaging effort, which focuses on the importance of being there for those who are struggling.
    • Use #BeThere and #SPM19 on Twitter to educate the public about the many ways to support those in crisis.
    • Visit the Action Alliance’s #BeThere webpage to learn more.
    • Sign up to receive updates from the Action Alliance.
  • Invite faith communities to join the Action Alliance’s second annual National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope, & Life, a national movement that brings the faith community together the second weekend of September (Sept. 7–9) to break the silence around suicide and help all who struggle.
    • Watch the National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope, & Life video.
    • Pledge to show your commitment to participating in this national movement.
    • Promote the observance widely among your various channels and community partners.
  • Follow us on Twitter (EDC, SPRC, and Action Alliance) throughout the month for ideas and activities.
  • View SPRC SPARK Talks, video interviews with suicide prevention experts on topics such as working with Native populations and LGBTQ youth and engaging suicide attempt survivors in prevention efforts.
  • Sign up for the Weekly Spark, SPRC’s e-newsletter, to stay informed long after September ends.

 Additional events and resources can be found at the SPRC and the Action Alliance websites.

 Learn more about EDC’s work in suicide prevention.