Towards Zero Suicides: A Resource For Suicide Prevention For NH’s Most Vulnerable
Towards Zero Suicides, previously known as the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention, is a website that serves as a suicide prevention resource, with a focus on first responders, veterans, people who have sustained a brain injury and other vulnerable populations: www.zerosuicidesnh.org.
Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of NH, www.zerosuicidesnh.org posts blogs ranging from news about suicide prevention initiatives and resources to stories of hope for those struggling with suicide ideation. “There are many suicide prevention organizations in NH – we work alongside them to promote resources and events that raise awareness about suicide and strategies for helping those most vulnerable to suicide,” says Brain Injury Association of NH Executive Director Steve Wade. “Statistics tell us that people who have sustained a brain injury are more susceptible to suicide ideation because of the challenges they face.”
New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Conference, “Fortifying Hope Across the Lifespan” On November 13
The New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Council will present its 2026 conference, “Fortifying Hope Across the Lifespan,” on Friday, November 13, at the Manchester Country Club. The conference will bring together people working in public health, mental health, education, business and caregiving to strengthen prevention efforts and support survivors of suicide loss and attempt survivors.
These events matter because connection matters. Every walk, conversation and training helps reduce stigma, build stronger support networks and make it easier for someone who is struggling to seek help.
During September -- Suicide Prevention Month -- we encourage everyone to take one meaningful step: register for a walk, attend the conference, learn the warning signs, check in with someone you care about or share information about available support.
A future with zero suicides begins with the actions we take today. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Law Enforcement And Firefighters Have Higher Than Average Suicide Rates, According To CDC
According to the Center for Disease Control, law enforcement and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
EMS personnel are 1.4 times more likely to die by suicide than the public.
“Studies show that those first responders and correctional officers and 911 operators all have between two to four times higher rate of suicide than the average population,” said Cpl. Tracie Manthei from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office.
Manthei said at least 129 first responders died by suicide last year, though the number is probably higher. In almost half of those cases, the victim did not reach out for to anyone for help.
“It kind of doubles down with the first responders because one, they don’t want to ask for help, and then who would they ask for help from? Because they are the helpers, right?” she said. “So they have a little bit of guilt about reaching out for help.”
Guide to mental health resources in Lubbock and South Plains
Last year, the Texas Legislature formed the Texas Statewide Peer Support Network to connect current or retired first responders to those looking for help.
“It works like 988, except they’re talking to retired officers or volunteer peers that have said ‘I will take this phone call and stand up and help you,’ because they can relate,” she said.
Licensed Therapist Dyan Covington said she’s seen some first responders benefit from various forms of therapy or even simpler mental health initiatives, like taking time between work and home to process emotions.
“It’s very difficult to come home and just flip the switch when you’ve seen maybe something horrendous just two hours before and now you’re transitioning to a very different situation,” she said. “It’s really good if officers or EMTs or firefighters, if they have some time from the job to the house to transition and decompress, even if it’s like 30 minutes.”
Covington said for civilians, reducing stigma around mental health can greatly help our heroes have the bravery to ask for help when they need it themselves.
“We all need to make it okay for a first responder to get help without the possible threat that they could lose their job, because a lot of the time they’re worried about judgment,” she said. “We can change that culture and also be preventive instead of reactive.”
22nd annual New Hampshire Veteran Stand Down
Last week, Harbor Care hosted the 22nd annual New Hampshire Veteran Stand Down at Eversource Energy Park in Manchester. More than 50 organizations came together to connect veterans and their families with employment assistance, medical and behavioral health care, housing support, VA benefits, food, clothing, legal resources and other essential services. Organized in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Eversource, the event continued a longstanding tradition of giving veterans a welcoming place to find support, meet providers and connect with fellow service members. Learn more.