Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — Build a Community of Care

Week 4: Build a Community of Care

Talking about mental health and suicide at the community level saves lives. When neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, faith communities, and local businesses work together—on purpose and out loud—we make it easier for people to ask for help and to find it.

Community Actions That Matter

Normalize mental health (not just “reduce stigma”).

• Use everyday language: “Mental health is health.”

• Add mental health check-ins to meetings, classes, and team huddles.

• Share stories of recovery and hope (with permission).

Promote help-seeking and share resources.

• Post 988 and local crisis contacts on websites, bulletin boards, newsletters, and receipts.

• Include where to find counseling, peer support, and mobile crisis services.

• Make “how to get help” part of onboarding, volunteer training, and student orientation.

Emphasize that suicide is preventable.

• Teach simple steps anyone can use (ask directly, listen, help keep safe, connect, follow up).

• Remind people that confidential help is available 24/7 (see resources below).

Know the signs, risks—and the protectors.

• Warning signs: talking about wanting to die, feeling trapped, unbearable pain, withdrawal, big mood changes.

• Risk factors: recent loss, major life changes, substance use, access to lethal means, isolation.

• Protective factors: connectedness, strong coping and problem-solving skills, access to care, cultural/spiritual beliefs that support help-seeking, safe storage of medications and firearms, supportive school/work climates.

Quick Start: Ideas by Setting

Workplaces

• Add a 60-second “wellness moment” to staff meetings.

• Share 988/211 in email signatures and intranet banners.

• Offer a lunch-and-learn or gatekeeper training; highlight EAP or local providers.

Schools & Youth Programs

• Include 988 and school support contacts on syllabi, planners, and posters.

• Train coaches, advisors, and club leaders to recognize warning signs.

• Host a “help fair” with local providers and peer groups.

Faith & Community Organizations

• Include mental health resources in bulletins and announcements.

• Host a listening circle or drop-in coffee hour with a local counselor/peer specialist.

• Offer space for support groups.

Local Businesses

• Display small countertop cards with 988 and local crisis info.

• Add a “We’re a mental health–friendly business” decal with a QR code to resources.

• Sponsor printing of resource cards for schools, libraries, and food shelves.

Libraries, Parks, and Recreation

• Create a “Mental Health Corner” with brochures and a QR code hub.

• Add resource stickers to room-reservation confirmations and program flyers.

• Promote free movement and connection: walking clubs, hobby meetups.

Share-Ready Blurbs (copy/paste)

Website/Newsletter (≈40 words):
Mental health is health—and help is here. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for 24/7, confidential support, or dial 211 to find local services. It’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone.

Poster/Sign (short):
Feeling overwhelmed? Call or text 988. Free. Confidential. 24/7.

Staff Bulletin (internal):
We’re a mental health–friendly workplace. Save 988 and 211. If you notice someone struggling: ask directly, listen without judgment, help keep them safe, connect to support, and follow up.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7, free, confidential)

• United Way 211 (Minnesota): Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211unitedway.org for local services

• Emergency: If there is immediate danger, call 911 and request a mental health crisis response

Thank you for helping build a community where conversations about mental health are normal—and where support is easy to find.