Submitted by Kyana Anderson, Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services
(September 3, 2026) — September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations about mental health, and remind our community that help and hope are available.
Suicide has touched the Haddam-Killingworth community in many ways, impacting families, friends, classmates, neighbors, and loved ones. This month, Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services encourages everyone in our community to take the time to learn the warning signs of suicide, understand how to support someone who may be struggling, and become familiar with the resources available to help.
Recognizing changes in someone’s behavior, mood, or circumstances and being willing to start a conversation can make a difference. Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not increase their risk. Instead, it can open the door for an honest conversation and help connect someone to the support they need. Community members are encouraged to listen without judgment, take concerns seriously, and help connect individuals to professional support.
HKYFS also offers QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training to help community members build the skills and confidence to recognize the warning signs of suicide, start a conversation with someone they are concerned about, and connect them with appropriate support. QPR trainings are available both virtually and in person and can be provided to community groups, organizations, schools, businesses, and other interested groups. To learn about our next scheduled training or to arrange a QPR presentation for your group or organization, contact Kyana Anderson at kyana.anderson@hkyfs.org.
This September, HKYFS is honored to partner with the Reddy family, who lost their daughter, Leeha, in 2025. In recognition of Leeha and the many lives in our community that have been impacted by suicide, we are selling special hummingbird keychains throughout the month. Hummingbirds were one of Leeha’s favorites and serve as a meaningful way to honor her memory, beauty, grace and legacy.
Additionally, this summer HKYFS youth created Yard Signs spreading messages of hope, kindness, and resilience. These signs are available to the community with a suggested donation of your choice.
All proceeds from keychain and yard sign sales will support the Ignite Suicide Prevention Scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating Haddam-Killingworth High School student in the spring. The scholarship represents our continued commitment to empowering young people to promote mental health, connection, kindness, and suicide prevention within their community. Keychains and signs can be purchased at the HKYFS office throughout September. Community members are encouraged to call 860-345-7498 to schedule a time to stop by or visit www.hkyfs.org under Events for additional information.
HKYFS will also participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk on September 26 at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. We invite community members to join our team, HKYFS: Nuts About Leeha, as we walk in Leeha’s memory and honor her beauty, grace, and legacy. We also walk alongside every individual, family, and community member whose life has been touched by suicide.
Suicide prevention is not limited to one month. It begins with connection, conversation, compassion, and knowing where to turn when someone needs help. We encourage parents, caregivers, educators, young people, and community members to check in with one another, take concerns seriously, and never hesitate to reach out for support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In Connecticut, call 211 to connect with local mental health and community resources. For immediate suicide and crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Together, we can create a community where people feel seen, supported, connected, and reminded that they do not have to struggle alone.
