September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In our lifetime, many of us will encounter someone in the grip of a suicidal crisis or know someone who may have completed suicide. Suicide affects all of us, and knowing how to help someone in need can make the difference that can save a life.
The Santa Barbara Response Network and The Glendon Association invite the public and professionals to participate in a variety of suicide prevention events in the community throughout the month of September. We can all take a part in preventing suicide.
Join us:
» Sept. 8 — Out of the Darkness Walk, a walk for suicide prevention, at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara at 9 a.m. To participate, register online by clicking here.
» Sept. 10 — International Suicide Prevention Day. The Glendon Association will be hosting a free Suicide Webinar at 11 a.m. Suicidologist Dr. Lisa Firestone will outline steps we can all take to reach out and help someone who may be suicidal. Click here to register.
» Sept. 14 — Continuing education courses for professionals on suicide prevention. Attend live at 8:30 a.m. by clicking here. Click here for the six-hour online CE course.
» Sept. 16 — At 6 p.m., the Marjorie Luke Theatre will host Kevin Hines, a survivor and mental health advocate. Hines will share his story about surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as spreading his personal message about living mentally healthy. Click here to register for this free event.
The Santa Barbara Response Network is a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to supporting fellow community members through traumatic experiences. It responds to those affected by suicide, violence, natural disasters and any other traumatic incidents. Its services are offered at no charge, in English and Spanish, to anyone who requests assistance 24/7.
To learn more, contact SBRN at 805.699.5608 or sbrncommand@gmail.com, or click here or visit Santa Barbara Response Network’s Facebook events page.
Suicide Risk Emergency Services
» ACCESS/CARES Mobile Crisis Team, 888.868.1649
» SAFTY Mobile Crisis Team for Youth (under 21), 888.334.2777
» Cottage Hospital Emergency Psychiatric Services, 805.563.8339
» National Suicide Life Line, 800.273.8255 (TALK)
» Crisis Text line, 741-741, text the word HOME
After Suicide Support
» Hospice of Santa Barbara, 805.563.8820
» Santa Barbara Response Network, 805.699.5609
» Click here for more resources on coping after suicide.