City of Alexandria Emphasizes Suicide Prevention During National Awareness Month

Sept. 4-10 is National Suicide Prevention Week and September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Community and Human Services encourages residents to help raise awareness to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health by accessing and promoting resources. 

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, there were 1.2 million suicide attempts and 45,979 Americans died by suicide. On average, there are 130 suicides a day with white males accounting for 70 percent of the people who take their own lives.  

Access and share online resources on how to recognize the signs, get help and support someone in crisis, support their own and others’ mental health, and get involved in suicide prevention efforts. 

In addition to support, residents can obtain free firearm locks and medicine lock boxes through the Lock & Talk program. According to AFSP, firearms accounted for 53 percent of all suicide deaths in 2020, and 19% of people who complete suicide use poison or medication. These prevention devices are available at:

  • NEW LOCATION Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, 2003 Mill Road, Visitor Center, 24 hours a day. 703.746.4114.
  • Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, 520 King Street, Room 307, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gun locks only. 703.746.4044
  • Alexandria Health Department and DCHS, 4480 King Street, Second and Fifth Floors, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 703.746.3382
  • DCHS, 2525 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Call to verify hours due to COVID-related operational changes. 703.746.5700

DCHS is promoting resources on Facebook and Twitter, and residents are encouraged to share these posts with their networks. Suicide research shows that we can stop suicide. Asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide won’t ‘put ideas in their head’. The friend or loved one may feel relieved at being heard and understood.Learn more about the new National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 or access local help directly through Crisis Link: Text “CONNECT” to 85511 or call 703.527.4077. For TTY, dial 711.

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