Join El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) as we observe National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to bring together mental health advocates, mental health organizations, survivors, allies, and community members nationwide to help prevent suicide.

This month, EPCPH promotes kindness throughout the community to increase a sense of belonging, decrease feelings of isolation, and reduce the risk of suicide. Research shows that “kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships.”

Kindness helps us pay attention to those around us. Kindness encourages us to reach out to a friend, family member or loved one during a difficult season. It provides hope. At its core, kindness creates connection by assuring people don’t suffer alone or go unnoticed. In September, EPCPH encourages people to show kindness to at least one person. Together we can spread the healing nature of kindness to those in our communities as we improve mental wellness and reduce suicide!

Ways to Observe National Suicide Prevention Month

• Spread kindness
• Offer a helping hand
• Write positive messages on sticky notes and leave for others to find
• Be an active listener
• Invite someone to join you for an activity or outing
• Hold the door open for someone

Attend local event

Sept. 12 | Suicide Prevention Overview
This information session will introduce participants to the different components of suicide prevention.

Sept. 15 | Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
QPR is a suicide prevention training for everyone. This training will familiarize attendees with the warning signs of suicide risk and how to get help.

Sept. 17 Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Race Against Suicide Fundraiser
A charity walk or run to raise awareness, funds and connect individuals to suicide prevention resources in the community.

Oct. 7 | NAMIWalks Colorado Springs
A walk to raise money and awareness to ensure that help and hope are available to those in need.

Oct. 21 | Soul Shop Training
A one-day workshop is designed for faith leaders and their community members to develop soul-safe communities by equipping them to address suicide as a regular aspect of their life and work.

Getting connected

For someone with an immediate life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 for help.

These resources are free for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, with 24-hour support.

• Colorado Crisis Services Hotline
  Get connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional 24/7 who will assess risk and determine if a mobile response is necessary.
  Call 1-844-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255

• 9-8-8
  A confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis workers.

• Crisis Stabilization Units
  There is a crisis stabilization unit in Colorado Springs where individuals may receive immediate help in person at no charge 24/7.
  719-299-2996, 115 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80909-6071

• Local Behavioral Health Resource Guide
  Responding to Behavioral Health Concerns in El Paso County