Suicide Prevention Month Highlights 988 Lifeline + SAMHSA Social Media Toolkit
During Suicide Prevention Month 2022, it is vital to raise awareness while reaching out to people who need help. As a nonprofit provider of mental health (MH) services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) makes such prevention efforts an ongoing priority. At the same time, we follow the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lead. Throughout the year, SAMHSA provides partner organizations with a bevy of valuable resources to help battle substance abuse and mental health challenges.
In 2022, with the introduction of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, SAMHSA provides community partners and healthcare providers with a Social Media Toolkit. Hence, the toolkit for suicide prevention month includes shareable images and logos. With a goal of building awareness, SAMHSA understands that pictures and videos work well with the younger generation.
Building Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month
A perfect example is the YouTube presentation by Denise Octavia Smith, Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers, and Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse at SAMHSA. They teamed up on YouTube to discuss building suicide awareness nationwide. Beyond emphasizing the role of the community-based workforce in prevention efforts, they also focus on the significance of the 988 Lifeline.
Indeed, Suicide Prevention Month 2022 is crucial because of the introduction of the 988 Lifeline. As a new tool available for free nationwide, 988 is open to everyone. As a result, Suicide Prevention Month is an ideal time to build awareness.
Moreover, SAMHSA ensures that suicide awareness is a priority in underserved communities nationwide. Following suit, TTC directs our efforts to provide Prevention and MH Recovery Services to these communities in Southern California. In many ethnic and immigrant neighborhoods, talking about suicide goes against age-old traditions. By breaking down these barriers of silence, prevention efforts help save lives.
Suicide Prevention Month and You
Suicide Prevention Month is not only for people who are suicidal or community partners. Indeed, Suicide Prevention Month is a time for everyone to raise their hands. Together, we can help save lives by recognizing the signs of suicidality and acting. If a person cannot help themselves, you potentially have the power to save their life by reaching out.
Indeed, by building national awareness and making 988 available, a great start is happening. Hence, experts estimate the suicide rates to stop rising. These frightening mirrors of tragic loss will fall in the next few years.
Further Key Resources for Building Awareness:
1) National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health: https://nned.net/
2) Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/
3) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/