One critically important aspect of mental health awareness is suicide awareness. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it impacts people of all ages and backgrounds. Unfortunately, suicide rates in the U.S. continue to rise including among young people.

And while the number of deaths by suicide are staggering (as many as 50,000 annually), we can be encouraged by another fact: Suicide is preventable.

In Genesee County, we want to cultivate an environment in which resources are shared openly, intentionally and without judgement. We cannot have healthy, safe and livable communities without investing in high-quality mental health resources and changing the public perception about these issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and with it comes another opportunity undercut the stigma that persists in our society on matters related to suicide and mental health. We must make every effort to prevent the many negative attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes that surround mental healthcare and suicide from becoming a barrier for people who need to seek treatment.

To finally end this stigma, we must:

• Recognize warning signs and take action;
• Always show empathy and compassion;
• Train more people in suicide prevention;
• Advocate for more (and higher quality) mental health resources;
• Believe that suicide is preventable

Finally, we must make it clear to anyone who needs to hear it: Tomorrow needs you. Suicide leaves a staggering physical, mental and emotional toll on those who are left behind. So let us join together to ensure all people feel supported and valued today and every day.

With that in mind, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the 988 LifeLine and share this information far and wide: