September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10-16, 2023. September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day. The World Health Organization designated the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021- 2023 as "Creating Hope Through Action."

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): "Youth and young adults ages 10–24 years account for 15% of all suicides. The suicide rate for this age group (11.0 per 100,000) is lower than other age groups. However, suicide is the second leading cause of death for this age group, accounting for 7,126 deaths. Additionally, suicide rates for this age group increased 52.2% between 2000-2021."

The CDC reports that suicide risk is also higher among people who are LGBTQ and people with disabilities. Suicide rates are highest among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and white people and are rapidly rising among Black people.

These sobering statistics show the need for open and direct conversations with our children about suicide. I know it can be challenging. Suicide is not easy to talk about. Sometimes, we don't know the words to use. Sometimes, we worry that discussing suicide might make someone more likely to become suicidal (it does not; in fact, it can help prevent suicide).

This week, we share some practical articles that we hope can support your family openly and helpfully discuss suicide. Please also check out our events section for training and support activities.

I encourage anyone doing parent peer support to join us on September 13 at noon CDT for virtual  Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents. We will discuss supporting families with school issues, and you can use the session for continuing education for parent peer supporters.

I invite everyone to celebrate with us virtually on September 15 at 1:00 p.m. CDT for the Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation. These future parent peer supporters have worked hard in training this week and deserve lots of support and kudos for their commitment and dedication. It's also a great way to get to know parent-peer supporters who may be looking for employment, are eager to join a MAP team, or want to support families in their communities informally.