New Hampshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention Promotes National Suicide Prevention Month Events

September is National Suicide Prevention Month (NSPM), and the New Hampshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention is calling on all Granite Staters to participate in suicide prevention-related events, support those affected by suicide and toraise awareness of suicide prevention resources.According to data from https://sprc.org, suicide rates in NH are 35% higher than the national rate (19.27 per 100,000 vs. 14.21 per 100,000 nationally.

"National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to unite, spread hope, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. By participating in prevention initiatives and sharing vital resources, we can make a significant impact on preventing suicide and promoting mental health and well-being within our communities," says, Steven Wade, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of NH.  "Your actions this month could save a life."  Wade was the driver behind the formation of the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention (www.zerosuicidesnh.org).

Empowering Communities with the Right Tools

The Coalition is urging everyone to join the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's #BeThere campaign by using #BeThere and #SPM24 on social media. This campaign educates the public on how to support those struggling with mental health issues and provides essential guidance on how to offer help.

Encouraging Help-Seeking and Community Participation

The Coalition encourages promoting crisis services such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential, 24/7 support via phone (call or text 988) and online chat. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support via text (text HOME to 741741). Using these resources can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention DayEngagein activities from the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) on Tuesday, Sept. 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day. Explore ways to #REACH out to military veterans and service members with support from the Veterans Crisis Line.

Attend the NH Suicide Prevention Council Conference on Nov. 14th

The Suicide Prevention Council of NH will sponsor a full-day conference dedicated to bringing individuals, businesses, education, public health, mental health and caregivers together to share, learn and expand the development of suicide prevention efforts.  To register, visit www.preventsuicidenh.org.

For more information and resources, visit https://zerosuicidesnh.org.