Suicide remains a serious public health threat that touches the lives of many Americans. In 2022, nearly 50,000 lives were lost to suicide, 13.2 million people reported seriously considering suicide, 1.6 million reported a suicide attempt, and millions more supported someone close to them who was in distress. Disparities in suicide and suicide attempts still exist. Populations disproportionately impacted include veterans, marginalized racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ populations, youth, middle-aged and older adults, individuals with serious mental illness, and certain occupational groups, among others (HHS, 2024).

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month. During this month-mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Each year, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) creates a resource guide to promote coordinated ways to get involved during Suicide Prevention Month.

The 2024 guide, Ideas for Action, offers information to help anyone, anywhere get involved in September’s Suicide Prevention Month. It includes tips on how to take action to help prevent suicide in every community by learning about effective suicide prevention, sharing stories of hope, and encouraging everyone to be there for those who are struggling.

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SAMHSA has issued a new Advisory on Preventing Substance Use Among Young Adults with Disabilities. In 2021, approximately 3.2 million or about 6.8 percent of people between the ages of 14 and 24 were living with a physical or mental disability.

People between the ages of 18 and 25 are vulnerable to behavioral health conditions because they are entering a developmental period characterized by numerous transitions and significant changes. This population may be leaving home to pursue further education or employment while continuing to develop socially, emotionally, and physically. These changes, in combination with increases in independence and self-focus, can put young adults at higher risk for initiating or increasing alcohol and other substance use, which may result in future substance misuse or the development of a substance use disorder.

This Advisory highlights the need for primary substance use prevention efforts for young adults ages 18 to 25 with disabilities, describes factors that may affect the delivery of prevention services, and provides guidance on designing and tailoring programs to meet the needs of this population.

The Advisory does not aim to provide comprehensive information about how to address the needs of every type of disability. Rather, it aims to encourage substance use prevention staff to consider the unique needs and perspectives that young adults with disabilities may bring to their programs.

October is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month. Stay tuned for the SAMHSA's updated 2024 Prevention Month Toolkit! Learn more about prevention month and past resources visit SAMHSA's Prevention Month webpage.

Consider registering for the Fall Prevention Specialist Conference hosted by Prevention Training Services (PTS). This 100% virtual conference offers up to 18 hours of continuing education. The conference will take place October 15-17, 2024.