Resources Available for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and increasing awareness about suicide prevention and warning signs.

According to 2020 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Texans ages 10–34. Almost 4,000 Texans died by suicide in 2020.

During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, HHSC’s Office of Mental Health Coordination (OMHC) is offering training opportunities for employees and a five-part webinar series addressing various suicide prevention related topics. These webinars are open to the public. Click on the links below to register:

• Sept. 2: 10–11:30 a.m., Tom Voss – The Meditating Vet
• Sept. 9: noon–1 p.m., Dr. Namkee Choi – Suicide Prevention in Older Adults

• Sept. 16: 1:30–2:30 p.m., State Suicide Prevention Team – Language Matters

• Sept. 23: 9:30–11 a.m., Lived Experience Panel – Postvention Overview and Lessons from Experience
• Sept. 30: 1:30–3 p.m., Shelby Rowe – Suicide Prevention in Indigenous People

"I am excited to have training opportunities available to staff and the community for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month," said Courtney Harvey, associate commissioner of the Office of Mental Health Coordination. "By learning about warning signs and risk factors for suicide and how to get help, everyone can make a difference in the lives of people thinking about suicide."

For more information about suicide prevention, email the IDD-BHS Suicide Prevention Team or visit the HHS Suicide Prevention webpage.

Resources

The HHSC suicide prevention wallet card is a downloadable resource guide that provides more information about warning signs and how to help. The card is available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).

The Crisis Text Line provides access to free counseling through text messaging 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text TX to 741741.

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer guidance and assistance for people experiencing thoughts of suicide and their loved ones. In July the NSPL launched its new three-digit number, 988, to increase accessibility of mental health and crisis care across the United States.