Welcome to the Suicide Prevention Committee
988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support.
There is Hope. Just call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org #988Lifeline.
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. SAMHSA sees 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America.
In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years.
There is hope. Providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress works. The Lifeline helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.
Local Resources
- Text '4HOPE' to 741-741
- www.crisistextline.org
Text App
- MY3 App at Apple App or Google Play Store
Chat Online
Committee Overview
The Suicide Committee is a group of community members who want to prevent suicide in youth and adults in our communities. We want to bring awareness to strategies to decrease stigma in obtaining behavioral health services. We want to educate on how to help someone who may be having suicidal thoughts. We want to support those who are survivors of suicide loss. This group will be developing goals and action steps for 2023 activities.
Get Involved!
If the community efforts of the Suicide Prevention Committee resonates with you, please consider joining our team! For more information, please contact on of the members below:
If you suspect that a loved one is contemplating suicide, there are some things that you should know:
Listed below, in no particular order, are a few examples of suicide warning signs. Please note, all of the warning signs do not have to be present at once. However, if you notice a combination of any or all of these signs, take note as the person may be at risk.
- Previous suicide attempts
- Experiencing problems with an intimate partner
- Having experienced a friend’s or relative’s suicide
- Looking for a way/means to kill himself or herself
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Talking about feeling hopeless, having no purpose and/or wanting to die
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Acting anxious/agitated
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Decreased concern about personal hygiene
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Withdrawing from others or feeling isolated
- Changing diet, including a lack of appetite
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Talk to your teen often about their feelings, values, and ideas.
- Practice active listening by validating your child’s feelings and asking clarifying questions to better understand the situation. The expression of suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.
- Keep all conversations open and honest. Create a safe space with your kids so they feel comfortable coming to you if they start to have concerning thoughts.
- Regularly tell your teen what you love about her/his personality.
- Show interest in your child’s everyday life, talking about their highs and lows.
- Encourage your teen to be active. Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that are linked to improving one’s mood and easing pain.
- Make sure your teen knows about helplines that they can call or text for immediate anonymous support.
- Consult a mental health professional. Learn more about Youth Mental Health providers in our System of Care.
- Listen for red flag phrases, such as:
- “Nothing really matters.”
- “Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep and not wake up.”
- “No one really cares about me, anyway.”
- “People would be better off without me.”
- “I wonder who would come to my funeral if I died.”
- Let your teen know he/she is not alone. Make sure they know you will be right there with them no matter what and will help them through counseling or treatment if they need it.
- If you suspect your child might be having suicidal thoughts, it is extremely important to keep firearms, alcohol, and medications securely locked away.
Parental Tool Kits
The best prevention of youth substance abuse comes through parental conversations. Learn how to properly educate your children about the dangers of substance abuse. After all, if they don’t learn about substance abuse from you, they’ll learn about it from someone else. Take control of the situation and talk to your kids today!
Conversation Cards
Conversation CardsEmpower Tusc
