Talk Saves Lives: National Suicide Prevention Week and Month 2024
The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families. The following information explains updates to the Talk Saves Lives program offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). As National Suicide Prevention Week and Month are soon approaching, this information is perfect for sharing within your networks. In addition to this resource, our Community Toolkit, which is free to download and share, also provides county-specific information that may be useful to Veterans and their families.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about publicizing the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program in your community.
Read time: 4 minutes
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
AFSP is proud to launch a new and improved edition of its flagship education program, Talk Saves LivesTM: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention. Since its initial launch in 2015, Talk Saves Lives has educated nearly 240,000 people on what they can do to help prevent suicide. The program features customizable, interactive content designed to be tailored for a range of audiences, including LGBTQ+ communities, older adults, firearms owners, and workplaces –– among many other groups.
As of August 2024, the new Talk Saves Lives is available in all AFSP chapters across the U.S., Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. We encourage you to connect with your local chapter at afsp.org/chapters to become a trained presenter, or to request a TSL program designed specifically for your community. You can also register for a virtual or in-person TSL presentation at afsp.org/calendar.
AFSP’s local chapters bring together dedicated volunteers, many of whom have a personal connection to the cause, including Veteran and Servicemember suicide prevention. Chapters form a community of people who lead by example, spreading hope through local programs, activities and events. Join and become part of a large grassroots movement of people speaking out for suicide prevention and mental health at all levels of government.
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
