Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. AFSP is passionate about reducing suicide and promoting mental health awareness in Latinx and Hispanic communities, during this time and all year round. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and to help address the unique mental health challenges faced by people in these communities, we encourage all to join us and take action.

• Sign up. Register for "Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities." This community-based presentation, available in English and Spanish, addresses how mental health and suicide impact Latinx and Hispanic people in the U.S., and how to help. Check out our program calendar to find an upcoming presentation in your area or contact your local chapter to request one.

• Talk. Get familiar with our #RealConvo guide to having authentic conversations about mental health and suicide with the people in your life. This how-to resource, available in English and Spanish, includes suggested dialogue around reaching out for help if you are struggling, or want to help someone who is. Talking about suicide may feel taboo in Hispanic culture, but these guides can help overcome that fear, and shed light on mental health and suicide.

• Walk. Participate in an AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk, where different people from all different cultures come together in support of suicide prevention. These Walks –– held in over 400 communities nationwide, and at colleges and high schools across the country –– help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. By raising much-needed funds and awareness, the Walks foster a culture that’s smarter and more open about discussing mental health, while also helping participants forge meaningful connections with a community of people that understands.

For those in Latinx and Hispanic communities who have lost a loved one to suicide, AFSP’s Healing Conversations program is available in English and Spanish, and offers survivors of suicide loss the opportunity to connect with an experienced AFSP volunteer who is also a loss survivor. The goal of Healing Conversations is to provide survivors with support, connection, and resources. AFSP provides guidance in Spanish for adults and children who have lost someone to suicide, and general resources to access help and information can also be found here.

Through these actions, we have the power to help prevent suicide in Latinx and Hispanic communities. We hope you'll join our efforts. You can learn more about how to take action for National Hispanic Heritage Month by reading our recent news release, and staying tuned for more updates throughout the month.