Suicide Prevention
… in Texas, the military & Nationwide
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Suicidal thoughts, although typical, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional or mental distress or crisis, there is help:
The U.S. National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information.
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified resources. Dial 988 and Press 1 or visit veterancrisisline.net for crisis chat services and more information.
The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To text with a trained helper, text SAVE to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential. crisistextline.org
ABOVE: TX Suicide Prevention Council Member Lisa Sullivan with Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Response
2024 Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is the time to raise awareness of this urgent nationwide crisis. Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), along with hundreds of advocacy and support groups, use this month to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information with people affected by suicide.
The ultimate goal of this work is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
In Mesquite, Texas (outside Dallas) approximately 600 healthcare providers, researchers, first responders, and survivors shared experiences and actions that people can use to help prevent suicide.
Whether focused on at-risk youth, survivors, professionals, veterans, or community members, each presentation underscored four key messages:
Prevention works.
Resilience and recovery are possible.
Effective programs and services exist.
Help is available!
Scroll down for graphic recording images produced live during the 2024 speakers and panel discussions.
Presentations and videos from all past symposia are available at: texassuicideprevention.org
Community-Based Suicide Prevention
Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Plan
Colonel (Ret.) Alicia A. Matteson spent her career as an Air Force psychologist and served as a Senior Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. She shared the Defense Suicide Prevention Office's Plan to integrate Federal and State plans to prevent suicides and support veterans and their families.
ABOVE: Col. (Ret.) Alicia Mattersons on DoD suicide prevention plan
Texas LOSS Team
LOSS Team provides immediate on-scene support and resources, as well as an installation of hope, to individuals impacted by the suicide death of a loved one. If you or someone you know could benefit from LOSS team services, find teams in your state at: www.lossteam.com/activelossteams
Special thanks to the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative, the result of a collaborative effort throughout the state of Texas of community-based organizations, state and local agencies, academic institutions, and many others who work together to reduce suicides in Texas. texassuicideprevention.org
Click any category below to learn more about the Texas Coalition Partners:
