Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Florida for people ages 10 to 34 and rates are steadily increasing.
West Palm Beach, Fla. (September 9, 2024) – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Florida for people ages 10 to 34 and rates have steadily increased by 7% since 2015, according to Florida Health. Hanley Foundation is working to reverse this trend by saving lives through its Zero Suicide Initiative, a program that educates the community on recognizing the warning signs of suicide and reducing stigma.
In partnership with the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network and the Florida Department of Children and Families, Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative helps reduce suicide rates through education, outreach, and awareness campaigns. Hanley’s virtual and in-person QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Gatekeeping Training teaches individuals to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and effectively respond by questioning, persuading, and referring those in need. Hanley Foundation also partners with local businesses to promote mental health awareness in the workplace. This helps create a foundation of support and reduces the stigma associated with a suicide crisis.
“We’re changing systems that are in place to ensure that fewer people die by suicide,” said Lindsay Slattery-Cerny who leads the Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative. “We’re training organizations on how to watch for the warning signs that an employee or client is in a mental health crisis. We also are working to ensure that agencies assess people properly for suicide risk and provide appropriate, patient-centered care.”
Each September, Hanley Foundation encourages local businesses to join them in supporting National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by lighting up their businesses in purple and teal. Throughout the month, Hanley and its supporters recognize those who have died by suicide and create conversations to bring awareness, reduce stigma, and save lives. Hanley Foundation’s also hosts a support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Email Help@hanleyfoundation.org for more information.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call the 24/7 hotline at 988 to receive live assistance, or text “HOME” TO 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide support via text message. For more information on QPR Gatekeeping Training or Hanley’s Zero Suicide Initiative, visit hanleyfoundation.org/prevention/zero-suicide-initiative.
