September is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday (September 5-11) surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.
Did you know Greater Twin Cities United Way is now a local service provider of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
Building on the strong infrastructure of our 211 resource helpline, United Way’s social services information and referral program that facilitates almost 275,000 referrals each year, the Minnesota Department of Health is investing in Greater Twin Cities United Way to develop, launch, and provide ongoing suicide prevention lifeline services for 36 Minnesota counties.
The suicide prevention lifeline program is responsible for providing free and confidential suicide risk assessment, emotional support, crisis intervention and referrals to local treatment and support resources, including emergency services.
“When Minnesotans call the NPSL, United Way specialists listen with empathy, assess the crisis and risk, de-escalate callers and connect them to local support and resources to help them develop a safety plan,” said Carolina De Los Rios, United Way’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Officer.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for immediate support. Learn more about 988.
