September 8, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
We All Have a Role to Play in Preventing Suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Month
RICHMOND, Va. – September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time to raise awareness, remember those we’ve lost, and strengthen our connections. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts invite you to share 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, including 31 Richmond City residents and 36 Henrico County residents, lost their lives to suicide.
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.
- Ask your provider or hospital system to connect with the Virginia Zero Suicide Hub.
- Ask local health groups to reach out to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Local groups 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.
For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.
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