Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster proclaimed September 2020, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and tolerance around all people affected by this tragedy.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)

If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.