September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Protecting Our Children and Communities

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, break the stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide. While this month brings a critical focus, it’s essential to remember that the fight against suicide continues year-round. In 2022, over 49,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide—an alarming rate of one death every 11 minutes. Among children aged 10-14 and teens aged 15-24, suicide was the second leading cause of death (Mental Health First Aid, CDC).

This public health issue touches all demographics, but certain groups are more vulnerable, including veterans, working-age men, and older adults. Children today also face unbearable pressures, from academic expectations to social isolation and the overwhelming influence of social media. Recognizing warning signs—such as withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, mood swings, or talking about being a burden—can be life-saving (NIH NIMH).

Suicide doesn’t just happen; it’s often the result of untreated mental health conditions, substance use, chronic pain, or personal crises. That’s why access to mental health care and early intervention is so vital. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide 24/7 support, connecting individuals to trained counselors who can help during moments of crisis.

Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and SAMHSA offer year-round resources for both individuals and families. NAMI, in particular, helps parents navigate the complexities of youth mental health and empowers communities to foster compassionate conversations. These open dialogues can help prevent feelings of isolation, making sure no one feels their pain is invisible.

September serves as a powerful reminder, but it should never be the limit of our efforts. Together, we can work year-round to ensure every child, teen, and adult knows they are valued, heard, and never alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait—reach out for help. Your conversation could save a life.

Sources:

• Mental Health First Aid​(Mental Health First Aid)​(NIH NIMH)
• CDC Suicide Statistics​(CDC)​(Mental Health First Aid)
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)​(NIH NIMH)
• SAMHSA​(SAMHSA)​(NAMI)

Grant Opportunities To Battle This Crisis:

1. Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Grant Program

• Administered by: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Purpose: To support state and tribal entities in implementing programs to reduce suicide among youth (ages 10-24) by enhancing services for early identification, referral, and treatment.
• Eligibility: State, tribal, and local governments, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.

2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Center Follow-Up Grants

• Administered by: SAMHSA
• Purpose: Provides funding to enhance and expand the services of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and crisis centers, focusing on follow-up care to individuals who call suicide hotlines.
• Eligibility: Crisis centers, nonprofits, and healthcare providers focused on mental health.

3. Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education)

• Administered by: SAMHSA
• Purpose: Supports school districts and state education agencies in increasing awareness of mental health issues among school-aged youth and providing training for school personnel.
• Eligibility: State education agencies and school districts.

4. Mental Health Awareness Training Grants

• Administered by: SAMHSA
• Purpose: Provides funds for training individuals such as teachers, first responders, and law enforcement to recognize signs of mental illness and suicide risk and refer them to appropriate services.
• Eligibility: Community-based organizations, nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions.

5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Community Grants

• Administered by: AFSP
• Purpose: Provides funding to local organizations and individuals for research, education, and advocacy projects aimed at reducing suicide and improving mental health.
• Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, schools, and individuals conducting suicide prevention programs.

6. The Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Grant

• Administered by: The Zarrow Family Foundation
• Purpose: Focuses on addressing mental health, homelessness, and suicide prevention through community-based grants and programs.
• Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and community groups that provide services related to mental health.

7. The JED Foundation Grants

• Administered by: The JED Foundation
• Purpose: Provides grants to schools, colleges, and community organizations to support mental health education, suicide prevention, and emotional health programs.
• Eligibility: Educational institutions, community organizations, and nonprofits.

8. Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Grants

• Administered by: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Purpose: Provides grants to community-based organizations working to reduce veteran suicide rates by expanding mental health and suicide prevention services for veterans.
• Eligibility: Nonprofit and community-based organizations focusing on veterans’ mental health.