September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an initiative intended to help raise awareness that prevention is possible, treatment is effective, and people do recover.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 48,000 people die by suicide. In fact, suicide is the 9th leading cause of death among adults in the US, and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. It is one of the most tragic events a family and community can experience

Hillsborough, a Stigma Free community, is no different than any other community in the country, but chooses to publicly state that it lends its full support to local educators, mental health professionals, athletic coaches, scout leaders, police officers, and parents as community partners in being available to one another. In these challenging times, messages of hope and healing are needed now more than ever.

BORO SAFE’s goal is to raise community awareness that suicide is preventable. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves on the warning signs of suicide, understand suicide is preventable, and that there are resources available. Anyone who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts is strongly urged to call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.