September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and is preventable. While anyone can be at risk for suicide, people with mental health issues experience a much higher risk of suicide. That’s why fostering protective factors like connection and community support is essential for prevention.
The 2024 Community Health Assessment identified social isolation and the need for connection as a key theme. Building connected communities can look like reaching out and checking in on friends, family and neighbors, inviting and including people in community gatherings and promoting the use of community spaces such as parks.
Need help if you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide? Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988; Cope Mobile Crisis: 612-596-1223 or Fasttrackermn.org.
To learn more about suicide prevention visit Save.org, Take5toSaveLives.org or NAMIMN.org.
