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 month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health and connecting people to treatment and resources.
DHHS Health Education Specialist Allie Knoll said, “When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is focusing this year’s awareness month on the theme of “Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose.” This message enhances that when people feel respected, heard and valued, they are more likely to seek help and stay connected—which ultimately saves lives.
“Suicide prevention is a community effort,” Knoll said. “When we empower folks to have caring conversations with their neighbors about suicide and mental health, we create an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength, and normalize leaning on each other during hardship.”
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 providing resources during the month of September and throughout the year.
Sunday, Sept. 7, 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.
Sept. 7 through 13, is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support for people in distress and Monday, Sept. 8, is “988 Day,” designed to help raise awareness of this resource and emphasize the importance of accessible, competent mental health services.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 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 Tuesday, Sept. 9, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Network, the Rio Dell Community Resource Center is hosting a “Question, Persuade, Refer” Suicide Intervention Training from 5 to 7 p.m. This training is free and open to the public, no prior experience necessary! Registration: https://forms.gle/u8LCvCARuWsde8d97.
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 humboldtspn@gmail.com 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:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988, press 1 for Veterans. Ayuda en Español: 988.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- DHHS Behavioral Health: 24-hour Behavioral Health Crisis Line 707-445-7715 or toll-free 888-849-5728.
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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