September is Suicide Prevention Month

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI), a nationally recognized leader in youth and young adult suicide awareness and prevention, proudly recognizes and supports September as National Suicide Prevention Month.  Throughout the month individuals and organizations around the country have plans to highlight the problem of suicide and advocate its prevention.

More than ­47,500 Americans died by their own hand in 2019, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in this nation. Suicide rates in the US have climbed 33% since 2000. Even more concerning is that suicide and suicide attempts among our nation’s youth (ages 10-24) are on the rise. According to information released last year by the CDC, 19% of high school youth had seriously considered attempting suicide, 16% had made a suicide plan, and 9% had made one or more suicide attempts. One of the ways to reduce that number is by talking about suicide and suicidal ideation, which can spur meaningful conversations about mental health and potentially save lives.

Join the conversation and reach out to those who have been personally affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect those struggling with suicidal ideation to professional counselors and treatment services that can help them.

“Anyone, regardless of age, can participate in Suicide Prevention Month,” commented Brett Marciel, Chief Communications Officer for The Jason Foundation.  “The awareness generated in September has the potential to have an enormous impact in our nation, even the chance to save a life.”

Suicide Prevention Month is a time to remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and focus on prevention efforts.  The Jason Foundation offers many different ideas on how the public can become involved.  To find more information, visit their website and look for the “How to Get Involved” tab.  A special section exists for Suicide Prevention Month.