In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Deschutes County Health Services and the Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance (COSPA) invite community members to take part in activities throughout September that promote suicide awareness and prevention.
Suicide is a public health issue that affects many. It is complex, but it can be prevented. Connection, support and early action can make a difference.
In Deschutes County, about three people die by suicide each month. Local data shows that suicide rates among youth age 17 and younger have declined in recent years. At the same time, rates among young adults ages 18 to 24 are increasing, pointing to a need for focused age-specific support and prevention.
Community members can help by learning warning signs, checking in with people they care about and knowing where to get help. Warning signs can include changes in mood, behavior or interests; talking about hopelessness or feeling like a burden; withdrawing from others; or going through major stress or loss. Secure firearm storage is also an important prevention step, especially during times of stress or transition.
“Suicide prevention is a shared community effort. We ask community members to attend an event, learn how to recognize warning signs, and help connect someone to the support they need,” said Caroline Suiter, mental health promotion strategist.
Regional events are open to the public and include:
988 Day — Bend
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 8
Location: 2100 NE Wyatt Ct., Bend
988 Day is a day of action to spread awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Visit the COSPA event calendar to learn more, pick up free materials and help spread the word.
Hope in the Park for 988 — Madras
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 8, 10am to 1pm
Location: Sahalee Park, Madras
This family event includes a water balloon fight, games, a hot dog lunch, suicide prevention training and a talking circle.
WS Suicide Prevention & Lines for Life – Warm Springs
Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 7 to 8:30pm
Location: Warms Springs Prevention Pavillion
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, community members are invited to a Glow Walk to honor and remember people lost to suicide.
Community QPR Training — Virtual
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22, noon to 1pm
Question, Persuade, Refer, or QPR training, teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, how to ask, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal, and how to get help for someone in crisis. Visit the COSPA event calendar to register and learn more.
Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Suicide Prevention – Madras
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22, noon to 2pm
Location: Madras Best Care BRHN Building
This interactive workshop helps people recognize mental health and suicidal distress, and how to connect others with support.
11th Annual Candlelight Vigil — Bend
Date/Time: Thursday, September 24, event begins at 6:30pm
Location: 520 NW Wall St., Bend
Community members are invited to honor and remember people lost to suicide. Media are asked not to attend this event in order to protect the privacy of loss survivors.
Stronger Together — Prineville
Date/Time: Friday, September 25, 5-7:30pm
Location: Grizzly Mountain Pavilion, Crook County Fairgrounds
This free, family-friendly event will include music, food and community resources in recognition of Recovery and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Suicide Prevention — Virtual
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 29, 11am to 1pm
This virtual, interactive workshop helps people recognize mental health and suicidal distress, and how to connect others with support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Deschutes County Stabilization Center, 63311 NE Jamison Street in Bend, is also open 24/7 and offers free confidential support
preventsuicideco.org • deschutescounty.gov/suicide-prevention
