This year, National Suicide Prevention Week begins on September 10 with World Suicide Prevention Day. But AFSP recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month – and this email serves as a special sneak peek at what we have planned.

Building on our recently launched Talk Away the Dark campaign, which encourages everyone to make a difference by learning the warning signs, knowing the risk factors, and bravely having a REAL open and honest conversation with someone we care about, we will be highlighting specific actions throughout the month that you can take to help save lives, and rally more people in your communities to fight this leading cause of death. 

AFSP continues to shed light on the role each and every one of us can play to help stop suicide. In support of National Suicide Prevention Month, you can watch and share the Talk Away the Dark PSA film, and spread its message with shareable social graphics and other materials. By knowing the risk factors and warning signs, and learning to have open and honest conversations, we can all make a difference for the people we care about.

In September and beyond, we're encouraging the public to help Talk Away the Dark by taking action. There are so many ways you can help prevent suicide –– these are just a few ways to get started:

Join a local AFSP chapter to drive change and understanding in your community

With local programs and events in all 50 states, AFSP’s chapters are at the forefront of suicide prevention. Start a conversation in your community and send the message that suicide no longer hides in the shadows.

Advocate for support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and other suicide prevention and mental health policies that will make a difference

Speak your mind and let your public officials know you’re ready to stand up by becoming a Volunteer Advocate and learning more about how we can support issues, like raising funds and support for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Educate by bringing the Talk Saves Lives program to your school or workplace

Knowledge and understanding deepens conversations. AFSP’s flagship education program is available in specialized modules, including TSL –– Latinx and Hispanic Communities, which you can bring to your community for National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)

Attend an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event

Those who have lost a loved one to suicide often feel hesitant to talk to others about the type of loss they have experienced. September is a great time to talk away by the dark by spreading the word about the hundreds of local and virtual “Survivor Day” events taking place each November –– including Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) for the Hispanic community

Watch a special episode of Ask Dr. Jill

At 3pm ET on September 13, you can tune in to a special episode of Ask Dr. Jill, “Communicating Safely About Suicide,” featuring AFSP’s Senior Vice President of Research, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, with guest Dr. Madelyn Gould, an expert on suicide contagion, as well as reporting and storytelling practices that safely drive the national conversation

Connect people to help through the Interactive Screening Program (ISP)

Even when people know about available mental health services, shame, fear, and embarrassment often prevent them from seeking help. Learn how to bring ISP, a customized platform that starts a confidential conversation that often leads people to support, to your school or organization

We hope you’ll join us in taking action this September, and all year round. Stay tuned as we share more updates in the coming weeks.