September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Nothing could be more important. It is sobering because we know youth suicide rates are much higher than they were a decade ago. Reasons and patterns are complicated, and some things are still unknown, but we can be there for our children in real, practical ways. This week, we share information about signs that someone might be suicidal and things you can do and say if you think they are. We also remind everyone that 988 is a number you can call 24/7 if someone needs help with a mental health crisis.

Nothing is more important than our children. They are the reason Families as Allies exists. We want every child to have the opportunity to grow up and succeed. We want them to be happy and to thrive. We share a lot of policy information with you. We do that because unless our systems set up those policies to help children—and young people and adults—have the chance to succeed and thrive, they are not good policies. The people most affected by policies are the best judges of how helpful those policies are.

 
This week, we share things about what Families as Allies is working on. We want to know from you if we're going in the right direction to help all children succeed and thrive. We also share information about policies and practices in the mental health system. We hope it's helpful to you.

It touches my heart to work with all of you and on behalf of our children. They are so important, and each one is precious. The thought of losing one makes my heart stand still. I know some of you have lost a child to suicide. There are no words. Please know I hold you and your pain in my heart.