September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month: Help and Hope Are Close By

TRENTON, Mo. (September 29, 2026) — September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting actions that can help save lives. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), an average of 135 suicide deaths occur each day, with an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts in 2024 alone.

Wright Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is joining communities across the country in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding individuals and families that support is within reach.
This year’s campaign theme, “Help and Hope Are Close By,” focuses on the importance of connection, conversation, and access to care. For many people, especially older adults, emotional distress can be difficult to talk about. Feelings of grief, isolation, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness deserve compassionate support and timely care.

“Suicide prevention begins with awareness, listening, and helping people feel supported,” said Shelby Todd, Program Director at Wright Memorial Hospital. “Through this campaign, we want our community to know that help can begin with a conversation, a trusted provider, a loved one, or a local resource. Hope can feel closer when people know they do not have to face difficult moments alone.”

Wright Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient mental health program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. The program provides support for older adults ages 65 and older experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, isolation, or other emotional and behavioral health concerns. Services may include group therapy, individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing support from a caring clinical team.

Throughout September, Wright Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions has shared educational resources, engaged in community outreach activities, and provided suicide prevention information. Community members are encouraged to check in on friends, neighbors, caregivers, and loved ones, especially those who may be experiencing major life changes, health concerns, loss, or increased isolation.

Warning signs that someone may need support can include changes in mood, withdrawal from others, increased sadness or anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, expressions of hopelessness, giving away belongings, or talking about wanting to die. Taking these signs seriously and connecting someone to support can make a difference.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org/Chat.

For more information about Wright Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions, call 660-357-4730 or visit SaintLukesKC.org/Senior.