HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — In 2008, September was deemed National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The month is regarded as a time to remember those who have lost their lives and a time to bring awareness, support, and resources for those who are currently suffering.
Local Huntsville organizations are observing National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month by hosting an array of events.
An ‘Out of Darkness, Into the Light’ 5k run and 1K walk will be held at Redstone Arsenal. The event will take place on September 8 at the Child Wise Building on Vincent Drive. Registration for the event will open the morning of the race at 6:30 a.m. The race is set to start at 7 a.m. and those who participate are encouraged to wear neon colors to support suicide prevention awareness.
A candlelight vigil will also be held to honor National Suicide Prevention Month. Healing Steps Labyrinth is partnering with Crisis Services of North Alabama and other community service providers to honor those lost to suicide and offer support for family members. The candlelight vigil will take place at the Labyrinth and will be followed by a suicide prevention resources fair. The event is free and open to anyone affected by suicide.
SUICIDE PREVENTIONS RESOURCES:
- Crisis Services of North Alabama: (256) 716-1000
- Military Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
- LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
- GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.
In Alabama, the suicide rate in 2019 was higher than that of homicide; showing that 804 Alabamians died from suicide compared to the 587 homicide-related deaths. Data also shows that suicide is higher in Alabama compared to the United States average.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 46,000 suicide-related deaths in 2019. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States for adults and the 2nd leading cause of death of for those ages 10-34. It was also estimated that 12.2 million adults considered committing suicide, 3.2 million made a plan to follow through with it, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
For more information on Suicide Prevention Resources in North Alabama, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness Huntsville website.
If you or someone you know or someone you know is in a mental health crisis please call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Editor's Note: Parts of this article were created using works from the following sources - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (alabamapublichealth.gov).