September is National Suicide Prevention Month: Willowbrook supports World Suicide Prevention Day

On Sept. 10, the Willowbrook Blue Crew hosted an event where students and staff wore turquoise and purple in support of World Suicide Prevention Day.

According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, “World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.” For more information, go to https://www.iasp.info/wspd2021.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, where individuals and organizations come together to highlight the problem of suicide and advocate its prevention. For anyone experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, or anyone who knows someone who is, there are various resources available, including:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
  
  
• Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 for free crisis support by text message. Anyone in a crisis can connect with a Crisis Counselor by texting “Reach” to 741741.
  
  
• Call4Calm: A free text line is available for anyone seeking emotional support. Text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish, 24/7. Callers seeking assistance remain anonymous and will provide only their first name and zip code, which enables the service to link them to a counselor in their area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.
  
  
• Veteran’s Crisis Line: Provides access to caring, qualified responders within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This free support is confidential, available 24/7 and serves all veterans, service members, their families and friends. Call 1-800-273-8255, or text 838255. Support is available for the hearing impaired at 1-800-799-4889.
  
  
• DuPage County Health Department’s Crisis Services: The DuPage County Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 630-627-1700. Callers can expect staff members to provide support and guidance to manage the crisis, explore options and provide resources to further assist them in resolving the crisis.

- Source: DuPage County Health Department (see the full press release at https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=6038)