Category: Suicide Prevention Blog

Suicide rates have been on the rise. For the past 10 years, children and teens have been taking their own lives at alarming rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to doing whatever it can to protect its young people from suicide, including enhancing existing suicide prevention guidelines Read More

Lock up Medications. Lock up Guns. Talk about Safety. These are the key, critical action steps that are the foundation of the Lock and Talk program, one piece of a comprehensive statewide approach to suicide prevention in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The focus of Lock and Talk is on securing lethal means, which refers to Read More

Despite increased training around how to navigate a mental health crisis, law enforcement is often unequipped to handle such interactions appropriately, which can have tragic consequences.  In Virginia, a Marcus Alert system was implemented in 2018. It’s a statewide behavioral health framework designed with protocols that emergency responders use to respond to individuals experiencing a Read More

The existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) is a 10-digit number — 1-800-273-TALK — and it has seen a rise in call volume in recent years. Still, the number isn’t easy to remember or call in times of crisis, according to mental health experts. A three-digit number makes it a lot easier. Enter the new mental health Read More

There are any number of reasons why, but the troubling fact is that suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people ages 10-24. Many adolescents and children struggle with their mental health and even thoughts of suicide, which at times can include planning exactly how they would kill themselves.  PRS CrisisLink, based Read More

Who should contact PRS CrisisLink for help:  Anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal Anyone concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings Anyone who needs emotional support Anyone who needs information about other community services The PRS CrisisLink chatline offers crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and support to individuals by providing problem-solving Read More

Schools can play a key role in suicide prevention. In fact, they are called upon to do so.  When school personnel, families, and communities take an active role in suicide prevention, lives can be saved. The Suicide Prevention Guidelines for Virginia Public Schools, adopted by the Board of Education in June, 2020, provide information to assist Read More

Suicide is a tragic act that can often be difficult to discuss. But in recent years, conversations around mental health and wellness have increased our collective capacity to raise awareness around the historically stigmatized subject of suicide.  In a continued effort to address suicide in the Commonwealth of Virginia, many agencies are partnering to raise Read More

The State of Virginia has a sizeable military and veteran population, with more than 720,000 veterans, over 155,000 Service Members (including Active duty, National Guard and Reservists), and 54,000 military spouses.  This population has certain unique challenges — challenges that the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) is available to address.  One of these challenges Read More