SAMHSA Toolkit Available for September Awareness Month

September is designated as Suicide Prevention Month. It is a time to raise awareness and promote hope. Too often those with suicidal thoughts suffer alone and feel as if there is no place to turn for help. There are resources and www.samhsa.gov has created a new Toolkit to assist in providing information and expert resources.

With the theme “Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose,” expertise is offered to help remove stigma and reach people in need. The toolkit has virtual links and includes key messages and weekly themes. Additional resources available are:

• Social Media Shareables to spread awareness across your platforms.
• Digital Stickers, Profile Frames, and Email Signatures to reinforce the message.
• Virtual Backgrounds to personalize your online meetings.
• Hashtags to boost visibility and engagement on social media.

According to SAMHSA, this initiative promotes more research, public support, and  “to advance research, normalize help-seeking, “whole-person care, and foster connection through community,” to save lives. Throughout September, weekly messages hone in on specific aspects of awareness, treatment, and care.

Week 1: September 1–5  

Understanding Risk; Embracing, Treatment, Hope, and Resilience

• Suicide is preventable. Combining knowledge, care, and compassion can make real impact.

• Suicide is complex and influenced by many interconnected factors. Knowing the warning signs of suicide saves lives.

• There is no “right” way to heal and recover; support should meet people where they are. Healing is personal. Every journey is different.

Week 2: September 8–12

Building Community Partnerships and Supports

• Elevating the role of local programs and peer-led efforts through community collaboration is a critical component of suicide prevention.

• Embracing engagement of those with lived experience can help reduce stigma and foster a sense of unity around mental health and suicide.

• Small-group conversations, with peers and professionals, that focus on post-traumatic growth can help create a sense of connectedness and belonging.

Week 3: September 15–19

Theme: Improving care and outcomes for people at risk for suicide

• Accessibility and visibility of resources is crucial so that those in need of support can easily find care.

• Suicide prevention isn’t about just one moment; it is about continued care over time. Ongoing support and follow-up care builds trust and supports long-term healing and recovery.

• Everyone deserves access to treatments that work. Promoting evidence-based care is key to suicide prevention.

Week 4: September 22–30

Promoting Dignity Through Connection

• When people feel respected, heard, and valued, they are more likely to seek help and stay connected.

• People who have faced mental health struggles or suicidal thoughts bring valuable insight that can shape better support systems.

• Real connection can help prevent a crisis. A simple check-in, conversation, shared story, or helpful resource can make someone feel less alone. Remember—sharing truly is caring.

Mental health is all encompassing and is centered on the person. To learn more about suicidality, prevention, and resources, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month