Submitted by Allison Behnke, HKYFS
(September 2, 2025) — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness, promote hope, share resources and normalize seeking help. In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-34 and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals ages 34-44. (Source: American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, 2023). Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many continue to struggle in silence. If you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters.
This month is an opportunity to share resources and gain tools enabling all of us to recognize the warning signs for suicide, encourage open conversations about mental health, and to connect people to treatment.
Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services helps to provide the Haddam and Killingworth community with resources and tools for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Visit our website, www.hkyfs.org, for educational information and resources.
Kyana Anderson, HKYFS Prevention Coordinator, will be offering a free Suicide Prevention Training session on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Killingworth Library. Please register on the HKYFS website. The program, QPR: Question. Persuade. Refer., is an easy-to-follow suicide prevention framework that can be learned in only 60 to 90 minutes. Through QPR training, individuals will come away with knowledge of how to ask someone if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and help them in getting support through appropriate referral resources. QPR offers hope through positive actions. HKYFS hopes that all community members will take advantage of these opportunities to gain life-saving tools and continue to reduce stigma around getting help.
Both Haddam Social Services and the Killingworth Helping Hands Food Pantry will be providing Mental Health Resource/Awareness Bags this month.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), or call 211 and press 1, or text “HOME” to 741741. This Crisis Text Line serves people across the United States experiencing any type of crisis and provides free, 24/7 emotional support and information through texting with a live, trained specialist.
When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference. We can help save lives.
