Suicide Prevention Awareness Month & Local Events
Suicide Prevention in Our Communities
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a dedicated time to raise awareness, share resources, and support those affected by suicide.
Prevention works and everyone can play a part in preventing suicide.
We want to remind our communities that you are not responsible for someone else’s life or actions. You have the power to make a difference by guiding those in need to resources and professional support. Yet you are never responsible for another person's decision.
How can you help? It can be as simple as starting a conversation, sharing the local crisis line number, or connecting someone with a mental health professional. If you notice someone struggling, offer your support without judgement. You don’t need to have all the answers—just being there for them can make a big difference. Help connect them with a counselor or local resource by calling the HOPEline at 1-800-567-4673.
We've seen encouraging progress in Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties in suicide prevention efforts. This is a testament to the power of awareness, community support, and access to resources. There is hope. There is help.
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) has been and will continue to be committed to funding services that provide critical support to those in need. Our focus is on prevention, treatment, and recovery to ensure residents get the help they need. We fund agencies that provide crisis intervention, counseling, and peer support to help prevent suicide and promote mental health.
Every life saved is a victory, and we remain dedicated to creating communities where everyone feels supported and valued. Remember—you can help by simply referring friends, family, and community members to local resources.
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, call the local 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE) or call 988. You can also text 741741. If you are looking for other local resources, call 211.
To learn more about the warning signs and ways to prevent suicide, visit samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicide.
Local Events from Suicide Prevention Coalitions
The Suicide Prevention Coalitions are funded by the MHRSB and facilitated by partner agency PASS. These are community-based prevention groups in each county empowered to find ways to prevent suicide in their own communities. The Coalitions take action throughout the year and some host events in September to align with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn more about your county's events!
Allen County - Growing Seeds of Peace
The Allen County Suicide Prevention Coalition is partnering with Crime Victim Services and the Lima Center for Peace and Reconciliation Center in the Growing Seeds of Peace—Guns into Garden Tools event on September 28th.
Growing Seeds of Peace
Saturday, September 28
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
129 S. Pierce Street, Lima 45801
A Raw Tools blacksmith will be transforming guns into garden tools. There will be food trucks, musical performances, art activities, gun violence survivor stories, gun safety training, and more. The Coalition will have a suicide prevention workshop and provide resources to attendees.
Auglaize County - Out of the Darkness Walk
The Auglaize County Suicide Prevention Coalition is partnering with Teresa Fisher to host the Out of Darkness Walk on October 12 at Heritage Park in Wapakoneta.
Out of Darkness Walk
Saturday, October 12
Check in at 9:00 am, Event at 10:00 am
Heritage Park, Wapakoneta
This is not a remembrance event but a fundraiser to help prevent suicide. Register at afsp.org/auglaizecounty.
Hardin County - Local Connections & Agriculture
The Hardin County Suicide Prevention Coalition had planned to join the annual ONU Glow/Walk Run for Suicide Prevention, but unfortunately that event has been cancelled for this year. The Coalition will now be working with local businesses and agencies to provide 988 resources throughout the area, with a focus on our farming communities. Stay on the lookout for those resources!
Interested in joining your county's Suicide Prevention Coalition? Learn more at passaah.org/coalitions.
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