ANSONIA – The following press release was sent by BHcare:
In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, BHcare’s Alliance Prevention and Wellness is proud to announce a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental health and wellness within our community. Taking place in September, Suicide Prevention Week offers a critical opportunity for individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
This year’s theme, “Community Support is Key to Suicide Prevention”, highlights the importance of community support and open dialogue in preventing suicide. Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. Suicide is among the top three leading causes of death for people aged 18 – 34 in CT according to the CT Department of Public Health. The Regional Suicide Advisory Boards in CT have trained more than 2,500 people in suicide prevention this past year. This contributes to Connecticut having one of the lowest suicide rates in the United States, but even one death is too many. Learn how you can provide hope, start the conversation, and make a difference today.
Community Outreach and Education: Throughout the month, our team will engage with local schools, businesses, and community groups to provide educational materials and resources on suicide prevention. This includes training and distribution of informational pamphlets that outline warning signs, risk factors, and how to seek help. To attend the upcoming Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training QPR register here: www.apw-ct.org/events
Social Media Campaign: BHcare will launch a social media campaign to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and the resources available for those in need. Using the hashtag #PreventSuicide, we encourage the community to share their stories, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Safe Storage: Ensuring the safe storage of medications, cannabis, and firearms is a crucial step in suicide prevention. By locking up these items, we can help reduce the risk of impulsive actions and provide a critical layer of protection for those in need. Let’s all take a moment to secure these potentially dangerous items and contribute to a safer environment for everyone. If you are interested in a free firearm safety kit or medication lockbox, please visit these resources: Project Child Safe and Drug Free CT.
“Suicide is preventable, and it’s our responsibility as a community to ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need,” said Taylor Gainey, Regional Suicide Advisory Board Coordinator of Alliance Prevention and Wellness at BHcare. “Through education, awareness, and collaboration, we can save lives and create a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone.”
BHcare encourages community members to participate in Suicide Prevention Month by attending events, sharing information on social media, and checking in with friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling. Together, we can make a difference.
If you or someone you know needs help, help them connect to support. Help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak with trained crisis counselors who can provide immediate support and guidance. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. Support is also available in Spanish and American Sign Language. If a person is in imminent danger, call 911 first.
For more information on BHcare’s Regional Suicide Advisory Board, please visit or contact Taylor Gainey at tgainey@bhcare.org or visit preventsuicidect.org.
