National Awareness Months Celebrate Recovery, Emphasize Prevention of Substance Misuse and Suicide
A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE
September 3, 2021--September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Community and Human Services encourages residents to access resources and help raise awareness related to prevention of substance misuse and suicide.
Now in its 32nd year, National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery and raises awareness of prevention and treatment resources. This year, the City kicked off the month on International Overdose Awareness Day by lighting City Hall teal and distributing treatment information along with free Narcan, fentanyl test strips and medication lock boxes, which are also available to residents throughout the year. Residents are also encouraged to access and share resources related to prevention and treatment, including:
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The website launched by Faces & Voices of Recovery, which serves as the central location for all national recovery events. Access downloads to help share information online. Browse through their library, webinars, publications and COVID-19 resources, and then share them with others.
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“This is Recovery," a 14 minute video featuring men and women across Northern Virginia who share their stories of recovery to help others who are dealing with similar challenges.
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Learn about "fentapills," fake prescription pills that contain fentanyl as the active ingredient. Also, view and share this factsheet about fentanyl by Song for Charlie.
Access more resources on the Recovery Month website.
National Suicide Prevention Month aims to raise awareness of ways to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health by accessing and promoting resources. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2018, there were 1.4 million suicide attempts, and 48,344 Americans died by suicide. On average, there are 132 suicides a day.
DCHS encourages residents to participate in one or more awareness activities during Suicide Prevention Week and access and share online resources on how residents can get help and support someone in crisis, support their own and others’ mental health, and get involved in suicide prevention efforts.
In addition, residents can also obtain free firearm locks and medicine lock boxes through Lock & Talk, a program facilitated by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern (SPAN) Virginia. According to AFSP, firearms accounted for 50 percent of all suicide deaths, and 19 percent of people who complete suicide use poison or medication.
Throughout the month, DCHS will be promoting resources and events related to both topics on Facebook and Twitter. Residents are encouraged to share these posts with their communities and networks.