September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure people know where to turn when they or someone they care about needs support.

This is especially important within our own profession. Research highlighted by APhA found a suicide rate among U.S. pharmacists of approximately 20 per 100,000, compared with 12 per 100,000 in the general population.

September 20 is Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day, recognized by pharmacy organizations across the country to bring attention to the mental health and well-being of pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy technicians.

Whether you are looking for support for yourself, concerned about a colleague, or simply want to be better prepared to recognize and respond to someone in crisis, we encourage our pharmacy community to use and share the resources below.

Immediate Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Education about mental health and suicide prevention, resources for those affected by suicide, and advocacy and support programs.
https://afsp.org/

CDC Suicide Prevention Resources
Suicide prevention information, data and statistics, communication resources, and tools for public health professionals.
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Free resources covering suicide warning signs, frequently asked questions, prevention, and steps you can take to help someone who may be struggling.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental health education, crisis resources, and resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
https://www.nami.org/

Learn How to Help

Mental Health First Aid
Training designed to help participants recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges and connect someone with appropriate support.
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer
QPR teaches three practical steps anyone can learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and help connect someone with support.
https://qprinstitute.com/

Our pharmacy community takes care of people every day.
This month is also a reminder that we have to take care of each other.

If you are struggling, please reach out. If you're worried about a colleague, check in. A conversation, a connection, or simply reminding someone that support is available can matter.

And a reminder: NMPhA’s
Resilience Rx CE is available for FREE 
to support the well-being and resilience of our pharmacy workforce.