DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time when national organizations and local groups are working together to strengthen mental health support and break the silence around suicide.
The Crisis Text Line remains one of the most accessible tools for immediate help. By texting 741741, anyone can connect with a trained counselor for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. The service accepts several keywords including “HOME,” “START,” or “HELLO,” and is also available through WhatsApp for those who may not have phone service but do have Wi-Fi access. In addition, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers round-the-clock phone, text, and chat support. Since its beginnings as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 line has answered more than 10 million calls, and research shows that callers report feeling less suicidal and more hopeful after reaching out.
National organizations are also stepping up to provide education and resources this month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is offering a downloadable toolkit with facts, conversation starters, and graphics for social media under the tag #SuicidePreventionMonth. The 988 Lifeline is promoting its #BeThe1To campaign, encouraging people to ask questions, listen without judgment, and connect loved ones with support. On September 8, communities will mark “988 Day,” a national day of action to highlight the Lifeline’s message: “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.”
Locally, the peer-led movement known as The Uncarried is focusing on building safe spaces and equipping residents with prevention skills through QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training. The free sessions teach people how to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, and guide those at risk toward professional help. “QPR training doesn’t make us crisis counselors, but it equips everyday people to act as lifelines between someone in pain and the professional support that can save their life,” said Tyler Kent, an organizer with the group. Kent, who lost his father to suicide, said the effort is about creating a community that refuses to let silence and stigma win.
Alabama residents now also have access to CredibleMind, a digital library created by the Alabama Department of Public Health and partners. The site offers expert-reviewed resources on stress, anxiety, grief, sleep, and mindfulness. It is not therapy or crisis care but is designed to connect people quickly to trustworthy information and tools.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) continues to offer nationwide support as well, including specialized resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, grieving a loss, or seeking treatment. AFSP also organizes community walks, school-based prevention programs, and policy advocacy efforts to keep the conversation active year-round.
Advocates say everyone can play a role in prevention, whether by starting honest conversations, sharing resources like 741741 and 988, attending training, or supporting local and national events. The message is clear: no one has to carry their pain alone, and connection saves lives.
