As we’re beginning September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, it’s a great time to make an effort to become more engaged, more educated and more aware of those around us. There are many in our communities who are working to reduce and prevent suicide, and having a month dedicated to this most serious topic can help us all to take steps to do more.

Just last month, a group of veterans embarked on a weeklong, 300-mile motorcycle ride through Utah, making several stops along the way. This ride was part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s adventure-based mental health program, Rolling Project Odyssey. Fueled by Harley Davidson, Rolling Project Odyssey is a unique group riding experience that aims to support warriors in their recoveries from the invisible wounds of war.

Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit that helps veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound while serving in the military. The annual warrior survey in 2021 found that nearly one in four warriors had suicidal thoughts during the past 12 months.

For veterans who may be in crisis, there is help. Veterans or those concerned about a veteran can connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder 24 hours a day by calling 988, then selecting number one, by texting 838255 or by chatting confidentially online at http://va.gov.

This month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding Out of the Darkness community walks. These annual walks draw hundreds of people together in different communities to walk to fight suicide, aiming to open up conversations and help people to be more aware. In Utah, there are several different walks happening throughout the month of September.

Salt Lake City’s Out of the Darkness Walk will be held on Sept. 10 at Veterans Memorial Park. Walkers can register online and donations help to raise money for suicide prevention efforts in Utah. These community walks are held in cities nationwide to strongly send the message that suicide is preventable and that no one is alone.

The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time for Suicide Prevention Month. Schools in Utah incorporate suicide prevention programs to help in this important work. Students learn the importance of watching out for others who may be struggling, reaching out in kindness and asking for help.

Hope4Utah’s Walk4Hope will be held on Sept. 24, beginning at Timpanogos Elementary, 449 N. 500 West in Provo. Registration is at 9 a.m. with a program at 9:30 a.m. before the walk starts at 10 a.m.

The annual walk is a way to bring awareness to suicide in the community and promote the message of suicide prevention. Participants who have lost someone to suicide are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one for a memory wall. The walk is free.

During September — and every month — we can work together to reach out to others and prevent suicide.

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