September is National Suicide Prevention Month- #BeThe1To
Even amid a major pandemic, there is still an urgent national effort to prevent suicide in the United States. September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. The aim is to raise awareness across the U.S. and in particular, at a level that impacts persons within our sphere of influence to ultimately decrease the overall number of suicides each year. Sadly, suicide is among the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is still considered a major public health concern. Especially concerning is the recent rise in cases in the African American community-particularly among male youth.
With this in mind, can you commit to the 2021 #BeThe1To initiative?
The message for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline this year is #BeThe1To. The #BeThe1To initiative charges us to consider FIVE steps as ways to help:
ASK if they need help.
KEEP THEM SAFE and be physically present if possible.
BE THERE to listen without judgement.
HELP THEM CONNECT to resources that can help.
FOLLOW-UP and offer support after hospital or care services have been received.
In addition to these 5 steps, as believers, offer them a message of HOPE! A message that tells of God’s unwavering love toward us (John 3:16), His nearness to us (Ps. 34:18-19) and His ability to sustain us through our greatest burdens (Ps. 55:22). Another significant way to help is by prayer. Join ASBC’s Intercessory Prayer Ministry on September 11, 2021 for 12 hours of prayer- find out more details here: [INSERT FLYER LINK HERE]. Join the team and lift in prayer persons struggling, healing or dealing with suicide or the impact of suicide. Let us make a difference and BE THE 1 TO!
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1 800 273 TALK (8255)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Wallet Card
Visit the SAMHSA store to order FREE related items like magnets, wallet cards, toolkits and other educational information
Stay tuned for a special presentation during November in support of National Family Caregivers Month from ASBC’s AGAPE ministry. For further questions email agape@alfredstreet.org
Know that we are praying for you and are here to support in any way we can.
For further questions email:
Drop us a line at pastoralcounseling@alfredstreet.org and tell us how you are doing!
For further information, assistance, or for counseling referrals email:
NOTE: due to an overwhelming response, counseling requests are being wait-listed and answered in order received. Contacting your insurance provider, employer provided employee assistance program team or EAP team or larger platforms like Better Help or Thrive works may be a better option for an immediate request.
