Richmond and Henrico Health Districts share suicide prevention resources

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- September is Suicide Prevention Month. In recognition, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are raising awareness and sharing resources.

According to RHHD, suicide remains a leading cause of death in Virginia. In 2023, 1,234 Virginians died due to suicide. That includes 31 Richmond residents and 36 Henrico residents.

To get involved during Suicide Prevention Month, RHHD said you can take the following steps:

• Get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 
• Connect 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. 
• 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 local news organizations. 
• Promote dignity through connection. When people feel respected, heard and valued, they are more likely to seek help. 

In addition, RHHD said you can take a 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, RHHD said residents reach out to the VDH Suicide Systems Project.