Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and connect individuals with life-saving resources. This year’s theme is Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. IPRO ishelping providers reduce patients’ risk of suicide through screening, safety planning and seamless transition to follow-up behavioral health care.
You can find suicide prevention and treatment resources for emergency departments, nursing homes, and outpatient clinical practices in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic QIN-QIO resource library.The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic QIN-QIO will behighlighting a weekly theme and key message from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to raise awareness throughout the month.
Week 1: Prevention
- Theme: Cultivating Connection Nationwide: Strengthen Suicide Prevention Together.
- Key Message: Start the conversation. Talking openly about suicide reduces stigma and helps people ask for help.
- Resources:
- SAMHSA info on warning signs: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs
Week 2: Crisis Services
- Theme: Support Saves Lives: Connecting People to Crisis Support and Resources
- Key Message: Help if here if you need it. Get help before distress becomes a crisis.
- Resources:
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988Lifeline.org
Week 3: Treatment
- Theme: Building Communities of Care Through Connection
- Key Message: The days after someone leaves a hospital or emergency room are among the most difficult. Follow-up care and a call within 72 hours can change everything.
- Resources:
- FindTreatment.gov
- SAMHSA info on building a safety plan: https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/988/build-safety-plan-video
Week 4: Postvention and Recovery
- Theme: Healing Together: Supporting Recovery, Families, and Communities
- Key Message: Getting support after a suicide attempt or suicide loss can help foster healing and reduce future risk. Postvention is prevention.
- Resources:
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center: sprc.org
Note: SAMHSA has a toolkit with social media “shareables” if helpful. https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month