What is National Suicide Prevention Month?
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and having conversations about an issue that is critical to address but can be stressful to talk about. Every year, organizations and individuals alike come together to promote awareness and education in preventing suicide.
National Suicide Prevention Month was instituted in 2008.
Why do we need National Suicide Prevention Month?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.” 4.9% of all adults, 11.3% of young adults age 18-25, 18.8% of high school students and 45% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students experience serious thoughts of suicide in the U.S. each year. Based on data from the United States Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics, that’s roughly 15.6 million people. Idaho had the 12th highest suicide rate in the U.S. in 2020, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Widespread suicidality is a problem that needs to be addressed.
National Suicide Prevention Week Dates
National Suicide Prevention Week is the week surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, from September 5 to September 11. According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, “It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.”
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day is a time dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide, raising awareness, and focusing efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.
What can I do?
Help us raise $5,000 to help Southeast Idaho's LGBTQ+ community find hope and happiness.
Your contributions help us continue our mental health care, food pantry, gender-affirming closet, and other programs to support the well-being of LGBTQ+ communities in Southeast Idaho.