The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., with an average of 132 deaths by suicides each day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to be aware of ways to safeguard mental health.

The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) encourages residents to educate themselves and others on ways to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health. SPAN’s newly redesigned, mobile-friendly website (suicidepreventionnva.org) has information and resources like:

• A free self-screening tool – Check-Up from the Neck-Up.
• Easy to scan lists of risk factors and warning signs – How You Can Help: Five Steps.
• Videos – SPAN suicide prevention videos for teens, peers and parents
• Easy access links to hotlines and text lines.

The website also includes resources for community members and profess:

• Links to local government mental health care through Community Services Boards.
• Links to COVID resources. 
• Curated tools, infographics, reports and resources on suicide prevention.

Firearms account for 50 percent of all deaths by suicide, according to AFSP. And, 19 percent of people who complete suicide use poison or medication. Residents can also obtain free firearm locks and medicine lock boxes through the Lock & Talk program. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077 or text "CONNECT" to 855-11.

For more information about SPAN, contact CSB's Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention Manager Marla Zometsky, 571-330-0495.