988 Day: United for Suicide Prevention
“Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.”
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and within this month, two very important dates stand out:
● September 6–12 marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.
● September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
● And on September 8 we celebrate National 988 Day, a day to remember that immediate help is available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Impact on Young Adults
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 have the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts in the United States.
In Massachusetts, the numbers are equally concerning:
● Between 2019 and 2021, approximately 12% of young adults reported suicidal thoughts.
● In 2022, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in Massachusetts, and the 2nd among people ages 15 to 34.
The 988 Initiative: What It Is and Its Goal
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, nationwide service available 24/7, connecting individuals in crisis with trained counselors.
It was officially launched in July 2022 under the coordination of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in partnership with state and community mental health organizations.
Its main goal is to provide immediate, compassionate, and accessible support anywhere in the United States, reducing barriers to crisis care.
This year, the theme of National 988 Day (September 8) is:
“Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.”
Suicide: Risks and Warning Signs
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), risk factors include:
● Previous suicide attempts
● Family history of suicide
● Severe depression, anxiety, or psychosis
● Substance misuse
● Impulsivity or aggressiveness
● Social isolation
● Loss of important relationships
● Access to firearms or other means of self-harm
● Traumatic experiences such as sexual violence, bullying, or racism
● Lack of access to mental health care
Recognizing these signs in family, friends, or peers can save lives.
The Impact on the Latino Community
Within the Latino community, mental health remains surrounded by cultural stigma, fear of judgment, and language barriers that make it harder to seek help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Latino youth in the U.S. report higher rates of suicide attempts compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
In Massachusetts, local organizations actively work to close these gaps and provide culturally competent services in Spanish.
If you notice a friend, family member, or peer experiencing suicidal thoughts:
- Listen without judgment: Show empathy, validate their feelings, and avoid minimizing their emotions.
- Know and share available resources: Promote services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
- Encourage professional help: Support them in reaching out to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor, and accompany them if needed.
- Support families and caregivers: Encourage them to seek support groups and care for their own mental health.
- Create a safe environment: Remove access to potentially harmful means and foster open conversations about emotions without stigma.
Resources in Massachusetts
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Dial 988 (English & Spanish, 24/7). - Samaritans, Inc. Massachusetts
Suicide prevention through confidential support, crisis lines, and community programs.
877-870-4673 (24/7, English) www.samaritanshope.org - NAMI Massachusetts
Education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
(617) 704-6264 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) www.namimass.org - Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)
Connects residents with mental health and substance use services.
833-773-2445 (24/7, multiple languages) www.masshelpline.com - Health Care For All (HCFA)
Ensures access to health coverage and services regardless of immigration or financial status.
1-800-272-4232 www.hcfama.org
Suicide is preventable
This September—especially on 988 Day (September 8) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)—is an opportunity to raise awareness, support those in need, and remember that help is just a phone call away.
