September 10, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998
We All Have a Role to Play in Making Suicide as Preventable as Possible
September is Suicide Prevention Month
STAUNTON, Va. – September 10 is Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to raise awareness, remember those we’ve lost, and strengthen our connections. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) invites you to join us by sharing resources that can save lives. Together, we can help prevent suicide.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Virginia. In 2023, 1,234 Virginians lost their lives to suicide. 50 of those deaths occurred within the Central Shenandoah Health District.
“Mental health is a vital part of our community’s wellbeing,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “There are resources available for anyone who might need help, and it’s important to know you are not alone.”
Here are some ways to get involved during Suicide Prevention Month:
- Get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Link up with a local American Suicide Prevention Foundation Chapter.
- Take part in an Out of the Darkness Walk or start one.
- Volunteer with the Virginia National Alliance on Mental Illness.
- Connect your college or K-12 school to the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia.
- Join the Suicide Prevention Interagency Advisory Group.
- Ask your provider or hospital system to connect with the Virginia Zero Suicide Hub.
- Contact your local mental health groups. Ask them to reach out to the VDH. They can request free training from the Suicide Systems Project on managing suicidality.
- Send Safe Messaging Guidelines to your local news organization.
- Promote dignity through connection. When people feel respected, heard, and valued, they are more likely to seek help.
Take the free Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training to learn about limiting access to guns, medications, and other items that could cause harm. You can also access free, custom guidelines and resources from Lock & Talk Virginia.
For more on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, reach out to the VDH Suicide Systems Project.