Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit Now Available

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible. This year’s theme is “Changing the narrative: Start the conversation.”

The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide. Changing the narrative on how we perceive and talk about mental health and suicide requires systemic change. To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma to encouragement, understanding and support.

MDH developed a toolkit designed for any person, organization, or community to use as a starting point to talk about mental health and suicide prevention.

Each week highlights different ways to #StartTheConversation.

• Week 1: Let’s change how we talk about mental health

• Week 2: Let’s talk about mental health with our loved ones

• Week 3: Let’s talk about mental health in our community

• Week 4: Let’s talk about mental health resources

Visit Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to download the toolkit.

New 988 Minnesota Lifeline logo now available We’re excited to share the new 988 Minnesota Lifeline logo! The logo was developed as part of 988 Minnesota Lifeline public awareness efforts. Despite the rapid growth of 988 since it launched four years ago, many Minnesotans still don’t know about 988 or are hesitant to use it. National and state 988 research shows that localized branding can help build trust and engagement. For example, people may be more comfortable contacting 988 if they know that it’s provided locally and staffed by people who live in Minnesota.

We are also developing a new 988 Minnesota Lifeline website which will be launched later this year. The new site will have a resource section with the new 988 Minnesota Lifeline logo and public awareness campaign materials to download and use in local 988 outreach and communications in Minnesota.

The new logo is currently available upon request to partners, grantees, and others interested in helping people learn about 988 and how they can use it to support their mental health.

Contact Wendy Huckaby at wendy.huckaby@state.mn.us with questions and to get new logo files and brand usage guidelines.

Resource: 988 Day toolkit National 988 Day is held annually on September 8 to raise awareness about the 988 Lifeline through a variety of creative activities spearheaded by communities, organizations, and individuals. A 988 Day toolkit is available with downloadable materials, images, and information to promote community events and amplify 988 Day. Access the toolkit at 988 Day – 988 Lifeline

Spotlight: Gathering the Goodness: Conversations around Tribal History, Cultural Safety, and Community Collaborations with Suicide Prevention Grantees across Minnesota Payton Counts, Tribal Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and Verna Mikkelson, 988 Tribal Suicide Prevention Coordinator, presented Gathering the Goodness: Conversations around Tribal History, Cultural Safety, and Community Collaborations with Suicide Prevention Grantees Across Minnesotaat two national conferences. They first presented at the Gathering to Promote Suicide Prevention Among American Indian and Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans, and Families, supported by SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They also presented at the 3rd National Conference on American Indian and Alaska Native Injury & Violence Prevention, hosted by the Indian Health Service in collaboration with national and Tribal organizations and supported through partnerships with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, Safe States Alliance, and Seven Directions.

Their presentation highlighted suicide prevention efforts taking place across Minnesota, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and traditional spaces as protective factors that strengthen wellness and help prevent suicide and violence. They discussed the importance of understanding Tribal history and context, why this learning is essential for non-Native partners, and how meaningful collaboration between Native and non-Native partners supports stronger prevention efforts. The presentation also shared key lessons learned, practical considerations for communities interested in adapting similar approaches, and information about 988 services in Minnesota and their availability as a resource for Tribal communities across Indian Country.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month webinars

Webinar: Understanding the 988 Minnesota Lifeline System

This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the 988 Minnesota Lifeline infrastructure, including understanding the routing system of the 988 network, operational components of 988 Minnesota Lifeline centers, and how the system is designed to support individuals in need of emotional and mental health support. Whether you are a local organization, stakeholder in crisis services or community member, this session will provide a foundational understanding of how 988 functions in Minnesota.

Date and time: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT

Registration: Understanding the 988 Lifeline System in Minnesota

Webinar: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Conversations

CALM Conversations is designed to provide friends, family, and others with information on how to recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on increasing lethal means safety. Participants learn how to talk with someone who might be having these thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive manner.

Date and time: Monday, September 14, 2026, 1 – 2:30 p.m. CDT

Registration: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Conversations

Webinar: The Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination System in Minnesota

Minnesota’s Suicide Prevention Regional Coordinators are community-based professionals funded to support suicide prevention across all 87 counties and Tribal Nations, offering technical assistance, training, 988 Minnesota Lifeline awareness, and regional collaboration. Come learn more about the regional coordinators and how to connect to this resource in your area!

Date and time: Friday, September 18, 2026, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., CDT

Registration: An Overview of the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination System

Webinar: Postvention 101: Responding to Suicide Loss

Suicide loss can have a profound impact on individuals, organizations and communities. Postvention is a critical component of suicide prevention, providing structured support to those affected while reducing the risk of future suicides. This webinar will define postvention and explain why it is an essential component of comprehensive suicide prevention. This webinar is for community leaders, schools, workplaces, first responders, and mental health professionals.

Date and time: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11 a.m. – noon CDT

Registration: Postvention 101: Responding to Suicide Loss 

Webinar: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Workshop

The Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Clinical Workshop prepares behavioral health professionals and others providing counseling or supportive services to incorporate lethal means safety into suicide prevention practice. Participants learn practical, client-centered strategies for discussing temporary access to firearms, medications, and other lethal means during periods of elevated suicide risk.

Date and time: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon CDT

Registration: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Workshop

Webinar: Culture is Prevention: Suicide Prevention in Indian Country

Culture is Prevention: Suicide Prevention in Indian County will walk through a brief history between Native Nations and the Federal government. Participants will learn about how the history and policies impact mental health and suicide prevention work in Indian Country. Then we will move into current efforts and protective factors in community. Rounding off the hour, there will be time to discuss and share current work being done for collective healing.

Date and time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 1 – 2 p.m. CDT

Registration: Culture is Prevention: Suicide Prevention in Indian Country

Events

Minnesota Suicide Prevention Trainer Network – Quarterly Meetings

Are you a current mental health promotion or suicide prevention trainer in Minnesota? Join us for the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Trainer Network quarterly meetings to connect with other trainers across the State, hear updates on training curriculums, and ask questions as current trainer. For more information visit About Minnesota Suicide Prevention Trainer Network

Date and time: Quarterly beginning on Monday, August 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

To register: Email: health.suicideprev.mdh@state.mn.us

Webinar: Beyond Loss: A Multicultural Approach to Immigrant Grief and Community Healing

Migration often involves more than leaving a place—it can mean grieving the loss of family, community, language, identity, routines, and a sense of belonging. This presentation will explore immigrant grief as a frequently overlooked yet deeply impactful experience that affects emotional well-being, relationships, and community health. Drawing from community-based work with immigrant and multicultural populations in St. Paul and Mankato, participants will learn how support groups can create spaces for connection, healing, resilience, and collective care. This Mental Wellbeing and Resilience Learning Community session will provide practical strategies for recognizing migration-related grief, fostering culturally responsive support, and strengthening protective factors that help individuals and communities navigate loss while building meaningful connections and hope. Also learn about how community organizations are partnering to create and sustain healing spaces like this.

Date and time: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10 a.m. – noon
Registration: Beyond Loss: A Multicultural Approach to Immigrant Grief and Community HealingBeyond Loss: A Multicultural Approach to Immigrant Grief and Community Healing

Webinar: From Frameworks to Action: Building Stronger School Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Systems

Creating safe, supportive, and responsive school environments requires a strong understanding of both best-practice frameworks and the policies that guide implementation. The Minnesota Department of Education in collaboration with MDH will host a webinar to provide an overview of the Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems Framework and the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Framework, highlighting how these models work together to promote student well-being, prevent mental health crises, and support positive school climates.

Participants will also explore key state statutes related to school mental health and suicide prevention, gaining insight into legal requirements, policy considerations, and opportunities for alignment with existing school and district practices. Through practical examples and discussion, attendees will learn how to apply best practices from these frameworks to strengthen their school mental health system.

Intended audience: School administrators, school mental health professionals, counselors, social workers, psychologists, educators, district leaders, and other shareholders involved in supporting student mental health and well-being.

Dates:

• Monday, September 21, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m.: September 21 Registration
• Monday, November 16, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m. November 16 Registration
• Monday, January 25, 2027, 10 – 11:30 a.m. January 25 Registration
• Monday, April 19, 2027, 10 –11:30 a.m. April 19 Registration

Event: 2026 2B CONTINUED annual conference

The mission of 2B CONTINUED is to increase awareness of suicide prevention, mental health and wellness through advocacy, education and outreach. Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual Conference. The learning event is appropriate for healthcare providers, nurses, social workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement, clergy or anyone interested in mental health or suicide prevention. The conference is designed to meet continuing education for professionals. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance with up to 6.5 clock hours for continuing ed credit. 2B CONTINUED is an approved provider by the MN Board of Social work. Space is limited, register early.

Date and time: Tuesday, September 29, 8am-4:30pm

Location: Glencoe City Center, 107 11th St. E., Glencoe, MN 5533 

Registration: 2026 2B CONTINUED Annual Conference Deadline to register is Friday, September 18.

Contact

Email us at health.suicideprev.mdh@state.mn.us to contribute to the mental health and suicide prevention newsletter.