FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Rocky Hill, CT) - In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, the Division of Criminal Justice is reminding residents about resources in Connecticut that can help raise awareness to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the twelfth leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2020, 45,979 Americans died by suicide and in that same year, there were 1.2 million suicide attempts. In Connecticut, 419 lives were lost to suicide in 2020, according to NAMI Connecticut, which is part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“Suicide is a topic we need to talk about and too often, a tragedy seen within the criminal justice system that has lasting impact not only on the victims, families and their communities, but also on law enforcement called upon to investigate these deaths,” Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin said. “Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month is a reminder that we can all play a role in suicide prevention awareness and offer help – and hope - to those in crisis.”
Thomas Burr, Public Policy & Affiliates Relations Manager for NAMI Connecticut, recently reached out to Chief State’s Attorney Griffin and hundreds of other state officials asking them to help NAMI Connecticut raise awareness about suicide prevention by sharing messages on how members of the public and staff within their departments and agencies can find help.
“Mental Health conditions can strike anyone at any time, and NAMI Connecticut applauds the Chief State Attorney’s Office in helping us get the word out that help is available for anyone who may be struggling, especially our public servants in the criminal justice system whose jobs can often be quite stressful," Burr said. "There are resources available. And remember, it’s OK not to be OK. But if you or a loved one is struggling, please reach out. Helping spread the word helps to erase the stigma that sometimes is associated with mental health conditions."
For more information about NAMI Connecticut, visit their website here.
Below is a list of suicide prevention and mental health resources:
- The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers several suicide prevention resources. Click this link to visit the website.
- Infoline Crisis Services offers access to caseworkers and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 (select option 1) from anywhere in Connecticut.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available for Connecticut residents and can be reached by dialing 9-8-8.
- The Crisis Text Line has free crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text HOME to 741741.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Suicide Prevention Toolkit.