Suicide Prevention Efforts Span Communities, Agencies

Communities and public agencies are highlighting varied approaches to suicide prevention, from school-based peer support in the Spokane area to statewide planning in Michigan and coordinated local services in Sefton, England. Michigan’s prevention council report recommends strengthening the system through cross-sector collaboration and professional training, against a backdrop of 1,443 suicide deaths in the state in 2024. Sefton officials emphasized early identification, accessible mental-health resources and the involvement of people with lived experience, including through an online directory of local services. At North Kern State Prison in California, staff and incarcerated people joined a walk to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. Michigan health officials urged people in crisis to call or text 988 for support.