Union County Offers Residents Two Empowering Webinars in Recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join two free webinars that focus on suicide prevention. The programs will be available on Zoom and Facebook Live on September 8 and September 10, 2025, and are presented by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services and the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse.

"These events serve as a reminder that no one is ever truly alone," said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M Leon. "National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month calls us to act. Even a small act of compassion can save a life. When we take the time to check in on one another and learn how to connect people to resources, we create a stronger, healthier community."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, 49,316 Americans died by suicide - equaling approximately 1 death every 11 minutes. Additionally, many adults think about suicide or make an attempt. Data shows that 12.8 million individuals have seriously thought about suicide; 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide. 91% of all adults surveyed in the United States think suicide can be prevented at least some of the time. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and normalize seeking help. These webinars are designed to provide residents with knowledge and tools that can make a difference.

The first session, Make the Right Call, will take place on Monday, September 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Led by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) and the NJ Mental Health Players, this webinar will give residents a closer look at what happens when someone calls the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Through role-play and interactive demonstrations, the NJ Mental Health Players will show how the hotline works in real time while helping to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about suicide prevention.

The second session, Life, Connected: How Relationships and Environments Prevent Suicide, will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and facilitated by Caring Contact. This discussion will highlight how connection plays a key role in keeping people safe. Rather than focusing only on crisis response, the session will explore everyday protective factors, like meaningful relationships and supportive environments, that reduce the risk of suicide. Participants will walk away with practical ways to strengthen those connections at home, at work, and in their community.

"Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility," said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. "These webinars are about giving residents the knowledge and confidence to recognize the signs, start difficult conversations, and connect people to support. When we come together as a community with that purpose, we build a stronger safety net where no one has to face their struggles alone."

Residents can register for both webinars by visiting https://ucnj.org/mental-health/ If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by trained crisis counselors in multiple languages.

For more information about Union County Human Services programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 908-677-5405.