Sept. 3, 2024 - September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is partnering with community groups to bring attention to suicide prevention efforts.

This year across California, Take Action for Mental Health: California's Mental Health Movement, is encouraging a special focus on spreading "Love Over Loneliness."

The theme reflects how we can make a big difference for our community simply by recognizing when someone is lonely and reaching out to them. Simple acts of kindness or a conversation can be a turning point for someone who's feeling alone.
DHHS Health Education Specialist Allie Knoll said, "Social connections can act as our safety nets and help us through tough times. Some ways we can support others and ourselves is by reaching out when we notice someone is struggling, learning the warning signs for suicide by participating in a community training and by reaching out when we ourselves are feeling distressed. Together, we can use the power of connection to help prevent suicide."

In an effort to create opportunities to share hope, the Humboldt County Suicide Prevention Network (SPN) and community partners across the county are hosting events and resources during the month of September and throughout the year.

On Friday, Sept. 6, "Holding Space: for Suicide Prevention & Awareness," is scheduled in the Garberville Town Square from 5 to 7 p.m. This community event will include live music, food, art and community referrals to resources.

Sept. 8 through 14, is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support for people in distress and Sunday, Sept. 8, is "988 Day," designed to help raise awareness of this resource and emphasize the importance of accessible, competent mental health services.

Sunday, Sept. 8, is also "World Suicide Prevention Day," and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host its Out of the Darkness Community Walk at the Arcata Plaza. Register at afsp.org/Arcata. Check-in starts at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will adopt a proclamation honoring Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at its regular meeting held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers located at the county Courthouse in Eureka at 9 a.m.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Network, the McKinleyville Family Resource Center is hosting a "We Care Box" assembly event from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Boxes are distributed to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. The community is invited to help put the boxes together. Supplies are provided, along with food and refreshments.

Wondering what else you can do?

• Talk to your employer about bringing a suicide prevention training to your workplace to teach suicide warning signs including how to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide" when someone is struggling. Learn more at https://humboldtgov.org/2074/Trainings-and-Education.
• Join the SPN or sign-up for the Suicide Prevention Network email list to broaden your network. There are three subcommittees that cover priority areas including youth suicide prevention, lethal means safety and training and education. The SPN meets bimonthly via Zoom and all are welcome. Email [email protected] for more information.

If you are concerned for yourself or someone else, know you are not alone. We can all play a role in preventing suicide and help is available. Contact any of the following 24-hour hotlines:

Additional support can be found by exploring an expanded list of resources, click on the link here for Suicide and Violence Prevention Resources for Service Providers in English and here for resources in Spanish.

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