KALAMAZOO, MI, August 26, 2025: September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a preventable cause of death, suicide is one of the biggest public health issues we face today. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Americans ages 10-24 and 25-34, and the 11th overall leading cause of death. One person dies by suicide every six hours in Michigan.
Resilience and recovery are possible, and prevention works. There are resources available to help those in crisis find the support they need. Gryphon Place, a local nonprofit and leader in suicide prevention services, has been helping those in conflict and crisis since 1970 and is nationally accredited by the American Association of Suicidology. During September, Gryphon Place is offering several opportunities to support and educate the community on suicide prevention. The events include:
- all month: Round-up your purchase at Harding’s Market
- Sept 10: Safe Messaging Training
- Sept 15+16: ASIST Suicide Prevention Training
- Sept 15-30: Pampered Chef Fundraiser
- Sept 19-21: Book Fair at This is a bookstore & Bookbug
- Sept 20: Suicide Prevention Walk
- Sept 24: QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Suicide is preventable and knowing the warning signs and resources to help someone in crisis can save a life. Some warning signs from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center include:
- Talking about death or dying
- Looking for ways to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Some ways you can help someone in crisis:
- Listen to what the person is saying, be sympathetic and nonjudgmental
- Ask if they have had thoughts of suicide and take the person seriously
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- If a suicide attempt seems imminent, 9-1-1
In need of immediate support?
- Dial 2-1-1 for access to local resources
- Call 9-8-8 to for emotional support
- Visit gryphon.org for resources and more information
Registration and details on all events can be found on Gryphon Place’s website at www.gryphon.org/event. Gryphon Place provides suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services. Program information is also available at www.gryphon.org.