September 24th - 27th
National First Responder Suicide Awareness DaysSeptember 24th – 27th – National Law Enforcement, Firefighter, 911 Telecommunications, Emergency Medical Services Suicide Awareness Days was created to recognize the service of first responders lost to suicide, raise awareness about suicide, and to remind responders and their families that they are not alone; help is available. These days will help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and, recognize that one moment in time does not define a life.
One moment in time does note define a lifetime of service
The purpose of these National Law Suicide Awareness Days are to shine a light on the tragedy of first responder suicide among amoung law enforement, firefighters, emergency medical services, and telecommunications personnel.
Created by First H.E.L.P, we want to acknowledge the issue, support the families, and continue to raise awareness with an aim to end suicide.
We are setting aside this day every year to focus on it, offer solutions, and honor those we lost. Just one first responder lost to suicide is one too many. It is up to us to break the stigma and ensure that everyone knows that they are not alone.
“Suicide should be pursued as relentlessly as any other cop killer; together, publicly and, with unabating courage.”
– Karen Solomon
Resources
- Crisis Text Line: Text BLUE to 741741 to connect you with free, 24/7 confidential Crisis Text Line services.
- COPLINE: This confidential, 24-hour international hotline is answered by trained retired law enforcement officers who can provide access to continuous critical clinical support. Call 1.800.COPLINE (267-5463). Find more information at www.copline.org.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for anyone. Contact them at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
- 1st Help: 1st Help is a searchable database dedicated to finding emotional, financial, and spiritual assistance for first responders: http://1sthelp.net/
How do I observe this day?
Participate in awareness walks, let others know you will listen if they are feeling depressed or isolated, remind first responders that they are important to our community. For more ideas, see the list below!
How to Observe National Suicide Awareness Day
- Tell others about the day
- Participate in awareness walks
- Host an event (like an awareness walk)
- Let others know you will listen if they are feeling depressed or isolated
- Remind first responders that they are important to our community
- Learn the warning signs of suicide
- Make a donation
- Share on social media accounts
- Start a fundraiser
- Read the latest articles on the progress that is being made
- Wear a shirt or ribbon to show your support
Suicide Awareness Walks
Each year, suicide amoung first responders continues. At First H.E.L.P., we are trying to reduce the stigma surrounding emotional health for first responders, acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those we lost to suicide, bring awareness to issue, and assist families in the aftermath. Proceeds of these walks will fund care packages for families and departments after a suicide, grief camps, training, and other costs associated with awareness and prevention.