National Suicide Prevention Week
September 5-11, 2004

What is National Suicide Prevention Week?

National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual observance that promotes international awareness and advocacy about suicide prevention. The rationale behind this year’s theme, “Working Together To Save Lives,” is to bring together all types of professionals involved in the prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviors.

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Who sponsors this observance?

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) sponsors National Suicide Prevention Week. Founded in 1968, AAS promotes research, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. In addition, AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide. AAS members include mental and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, survivors of suicide, and a variety of laypersons with an interest in suicide prevention.

Beginning this year, National Suicide Prevention Week will take place in September, in coordination with World Suicide Prevention Day set for Friday, September 10. World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

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Why is suicide prevention important?

According to AAS, over 1 million people die by suicide each year worldwide— approximately 1 suicide every 40 seconds—and many others make suicide attempts. The AAS also states that nonfatal suicide attempts often result in serious injuries, trauma to family and friends, and severe economic loss to a Nation. In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that, in the United States, 132,353 individuals were hospitalized following suicide attempts and 116,639 were treated in emergency departments and released in 2002.

Suicide cuts across all economic, social, and ethnic boundaries. Depression and other forms of mental illness can lead to suicide. It is hoped that National Suicide Prevention Week will help to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention. The AAS vision for effective suicide prevention consists of coordinated and focused efforts that involve health professionals, volunteers, and survivors.

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Where can I find more information?

The AAS distributes materials and resources to crisis centers around the country. To get involved in National Suicide Prevention Week, contact your local crisis center by visiting the AAS Web site at http://www.suicidology.org/index.cfm or by sending an e-mail to info@suicidology.org.