In 2021, more than 1,200 Virginians died due to suicide. During National Suicide Prevention Month, communities come together to give voice to the people impacted.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) provides information to help those experiencing thoughts of suicide. VDH also offers trainings for people who want to help.
The VDH Suicide Prevention Program prioritizes seven strategies in addressing suicide prevention:
- Strengthen Economic Supports
- Create Protective Environments
- Improve Access and Delivery of Suicide Care
- Promote Healthy Connections
- Teach Coping and Problem-Solving Skills
- Identify and Support People at Risk
- Lessen Harms and Prevent Future Risk
The VDH Suicide Prevention Program accomplishes these priorities through partnerships. VDH and the groups below provide support and resources.
- The Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia
- The Virginia Zero Suicide Technical Assistance Hub
- The Suicide Prevention Interagency Advisory Group
- Full Circle Grief Center
- Health Brigade
VDH also supports training for psychologists, therapists, and case workers who work with individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide. The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) provides the free training. For more information contact the Injury and Violence Prevention Program.
During September, National Suicide Prevention Week is also observed September 8th though the 14th. World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10th. To learn more about VDH suicide prevention efforts visit. Suicide Prevention Interagency Advisory Group (SPIAG).