Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Every September, SAMHSA and other organizations observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In recent years, SAMHSA has produced a toolkit that is widely used and shared by state behavioral health authorities and others looking to promote this observance.
How To Use the Toolkit
Your go-to resource hub is here! Copy, download, and share the toolkit’s messages, graphics, and promotional materials in ways that fit the needs of your audiences and channels. The toolkit includes:
- Key Messages and Weekly Themes to inspire content creation.
- Social Media Shareables to spread awareness across your platforms.
- Digital Stickers, Profile Frames, and Email Signatures to reinforce the message.
- Virtual Backgrounds to personalize your online meetings.
- Hashtags to boost visibility and engagement on social media.
When we work together to advance research, normalize help-seeking, prioritize whole-person care, and foster connection through community, we can help save lives.
Filter by this year’s resources
Weekly Social Media Shareables
Week 1: Prevention
Theme: Cultivating Connection Nationwide: Strengthen Suicide Prevention Together
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Pre-Launch: August 20-31
Post Copy - All Platforms: Join us and take action to help prevent suicide. Every conversation, every connection can make a difference. Follow along all month for resources and ways to connect, support, and prevent: samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month/toolkit
#SPM2026 #StrongerTogether #SuicidePreventionImage Description for Alt Text
Toolkit is now available. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month toolkit.
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Week 1 - Post 1
Post Copy - All Platforms: You may not always know what someone is experiencing. A check-in, a listening ear, a number shared at the right moment, can make a real difference. #SuicidePrevention starts with connection. samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month/toolkit #SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention
Image Description for Alt Text
Purple and teal awareness ribbon with text, “Connection is Suicide Prevention”.
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Week 1 - Post 2
Post Copy - All Platforms: Learn the warning signs of suicide for the people in your life, and for yourself. Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior; withdrawing from others; talking about having no reason to live: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs
#SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention #SupportMattersImage Description for Alt Text
Heart illustration with text, “Know the warning signs of suicide risk in young people and adults.”
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Week 1 - Post 3
Post Copy - All Platforms: Start the conversation. Talking openly about suicide reduces stigma and helps people ask for help. Here is how: samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help
#SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention #SupportMattersImage Description for Alt Text
Colorful garden illustration with text, “Grow connection. Grow hope.”
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Week 1 - Post 4
Post Copy - All Platforms: Suicide Prevention starts with all of us. Together we can create communities where people feel seen, supported and connected. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/prevention #SPM2026 #StrongerTogether #SupportMatters
Image Description for Alt Text
Interlocking heart and awareness ribbon with text, “We all have a role to play in Suicide Prevention.”
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Week 1 - Post 5
Post Copy - All Platforms: Ask for help, even when it feels like a difficult first step. FindSupport.gov gives you the tools to ask, find care for, and support someone you love.
#StrongerTogether! #SuicidePreventionMonthImage Description for Alt Text
Suicide prevention ribbons with text, “We all have a role to play in suicide prevention.”
Week 2: Crisis Services
Theme: Support Saves Lives: Connecting People to Crisis Support and Resources
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Week 2 - Post 1
Post Copy - All Platforms: Support saves lives. Learn and share where to turn before a crisis occurs. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, compassionate, and confidential support 24/7/365 via call, text, or chat. Save and share 988 with someone you care about. 988Lifeline.org
Image Description for Alt Text
Heart in an open hand above “Call, text, chat online 988.”
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Week 2 - Post 2
Post Copy - All Platforms: Struggling? Need someone to talk to? Reach out. Call, text or chat with 988 – a trained crisis counselor is there to listen, any time of the day or night. 988lifeline.org
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #SuicidePreventionImage Description for Alt Text
Illustrated hands connected by a heart with “988” and text, “Support saves lives.”
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Week 2 - Post 3
Post Copy - All Platforms: You don't have to wait for a crisis to reach out. When you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, a conversation, a call, chat or a text to 988 can help before distress becomes a crisis: 988lifeline.org
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #988LifelineImage Description for Alt Text
Text reads, “Help is here whenever you need it. Call, text, chat 988.”
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Week 2 - Post 4
Post Copy - All Platforms: 988 is always there. So is your local crisis system: mobile teams, stabilization centers, community clinics. Know and share what's available before you need it. Building awareness saves lives. Learn more about mobile crisis care: samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs #mobile-crisis-care
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #StrongerTogetherImage Description for Alt Text
Two reaching hands with hearts and text, “You are not alone. Help is available whenever you need it.”
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Week 2 - Post 5
Post Copy - All Platforms: You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out to 988. If you are struggling, stressed, or worried about someone you love – don’t wait. Reaching out early can make all the difference. Call, text or chat 988lifeline.org
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #988LifelineImage Description for Alt Text
You are not alone. Confidential support is available.
Week 3: Treatment
Theme: Building Communities of Care Through Connection
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Week 3 - Post 1
Post Copy - All Platforms: Treatment works. Timely, compassionate, evidence-informed behavioral health care, peer support, and coordinated services can help people recover and improve outcomes for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Seeking help is a sign of strength. FindTreatment.gov
Image Description for Alt Text
Reaching hands with text, “Support matters. Treatment works.”
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Week 3 - Post 2
Post Copy - All Platforms: A safety plan can save a life. It's a simple, personalized set of steps someone can follow when in distress: warning signs to watch for, coping strategies that help, people to call, and 988: samhsa.gov/resource/988/build-safety-plan-video
#SuicidePreventionMonth #StrongerTogether #SPM2026Image Description for Alt Text
Text reads, “Safety Plans Work. Write 3 warning signs of a developing crisis.”
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Week 3 - Post 3
Post Copy - All Platforms: A call, a text, an attempt to reach out, that’s not a small thing. For some people, it's everything. Connection keeps people alive. Call, text, or chat: 988lifeline.org
#SuicidePrevention #StrongerTogether #SPM2026Image Description for Alt Text
Raised hands with hearts and text, “We all have a role to play in Suicide Prevention.”
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Week 3 - Post 4
Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health is health. Suicide prevention includes screening, safety planning, coordinated care, and follow-up—not just responding in a crisis. Learn more: zerosuicide.edc.org/toolkit/transition
#SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention #ConnectSupportPreventImage Description for Alt Text
Text reads, “Connect. Support. Prevent.”
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Week 3 - Post 5
Post Copy - All Platforms: The 72 hours after an ER visit or hospital stay are a period of very high risk. Don’t let support stop at discharge. A follow-up call can change everything: 988lifeline.org/professionals/best-practices
#SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention #ConnectSupportPreventImage Description for Alt Text
Four hands reaching inward with text, “Building Communities of Care Through Connection.”
Week 4: Postvention & Recovery
Theme: Healing Together: Supporting Recovery, Families, and Communities
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Week 4 - Post 1
Post Copy - All Platforms: Those who have lived through crisis or loss carry something powerful. Their stories make prevention more human and more hopeful. Peer support is part of recovery. 988lifeline.org/stories
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #988LifelineImage Description for Alt Text
Two hands linked by a thread with text, “Recovery Through Connection.”
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Week 4 - Post 2
Post Copy - All Platforms: Healing doesn’t happen overnight, it is cultivated. Families, friends, schools, workplaces, and communities all play a role in helping recovery grow after a suicide attempt or suicide loss. Call, text or chat with 988. https://988lifeline.org
#YouAreNotAlone #SPM2026 #988LifelineImage Description for Alt Text
Blue flower with text, “Healing supports recovery.”
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Week 4 - Post 3
Post Copy - All Platforms: Supporting someone after a suicide attempt or suicide loss can help foster healing and reduce future risk. Reach out with compassion. Listen without judgment. Stay connected. Find postvention resources to help support recovery: sprc.org
#SPM2026 #SuicidePrevention #StrongerTogetherImage Description for Alt Text
Text reads, “Postvention is prevention,” over a background of hearts.
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Week 4 - Post 4
Post Copy - All Platforms: Everyone's journey is different. There is no single path to healing. What matters is support, someone who listens without judgment, and the belief that healing is possible. 988. No judgment. Just help. 988lifeline.org
#988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone #SuicidePreventionImage Description for Alt Text
Text reads, “We all have a role to play in suicide prevention."
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Week 4 - Post 5
Post Copy - All Platforms: Suicide prevention is a year-round commitment. The work of showing up for the people in our lives is for all twelve. Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/prevention
#SuicidePreventionMonth #ConnectSupportPrevent #SPM2026Image Description for Alt Text
Heart with overlapping hands and text, “Healing happens together.”
Key Messages and Weekly Themes
Overall Theme: Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent.
Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person's job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together. This year's theme highlights the importance of:
- Strengthening connections that protect people before a crisis occurs
- Making sure everyone knows where to turn and knows it before they need it
- Building communities where people feel safe reaching out for help
- Supporting recovery and healing long after a crisis has ended
Suicide prevention touches every part of life – from families and schools to workplaces, faith communities, and health care systems. When people feel connected, valued, and supported, they are more likely to seek help. And when communities come together around a shared commitment to prevention, lives are saved.
These key messages and weekly themes are your starting point. Sample social media shareables are also included. Please feel free to use them as-is or adapt them for your audience.
Weekly Themes
Week 1 (September 1–6): Cultivating Connection Nationwide: Strengthen Suicide Prevention Together
- The people in our lives can be a lifeline. Strong relationships and trusted connections help protect people when life gets hard.
- Suicide prevention starts long before a crisis. Open conversations, shared resources, and visible awareness make a real difference.
- Knowing the warning signs of suicide, in adults and in children and teens, means being able to recognize when someone needs support and connect them to help sooner.
- Communities that talk openly about mental health and suicide help reduce the stigma that keeps people from asking for help.
- Prevention isn't one organization's responsibility. Families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, and health systems each play a part.
- Small acts of connection, such as a check-in, a shared resource, a moment of genuine attention, are how communities take care of each other.
Week 2 (September 7– 13): Support Saves Lives: Connecting People to Crisis Support and Resources
- 988 is there for anyone who is struggling, not only for people in a full crisis. Feeling overwhelmed or in emotional pain is reason enough to reach out.
- A real person answers every call, text, and chat to 988. The support is free, confidential, and available any time of day or night.
- 988 is available in Spanish, for Veterans, for deaf and hard of hearing callers via ASL Videophone and chat, and in more than 150 languages. Help is there for everyone.
- Knowing about 988 before you need it, and sharing it with the people in your life, is one of the most important things any of us can do.
- Crisis care goes beyond 988. Mobile crisis teams, stabilization centers, and community behavioral health clinics are part of a network that helps people through their hardest moments.
- Reaching out early, to a trusted person, a provider, or 988, before things reach a breaking point leads to better outcomes and more paths forward.
Week 3 (September 14–20): Building Communities of Care Through Connection
- Treatment works. People who receive timely, compassionate care for suicidal thoughts or behaviors can and do heal.
- A safety plan gives people something to hold onto in their hardest moments: warning signs to watch for, coping strategies, people to call, and 988.
- Suicide prevention should be part of everyday health care, not only a crisis response. Screening, planning, and follow-ups belong in routine care.
- The days after someone leaves a hospital or emergency room are among the most difficult. A follow-up call within 72 hours can change everything. Suicide prevention is possible.
- Getting care early, before a crisis escalates, is one of the most powerful things health care can do for someone who is struggling.
- Connection, planning, and follow-up care make a real difference. When these pieces work together, they save lives.
Week 4 (September 21 – 30) Healing Together: Supporting Recovery, Families, and Communities
- People come through crisis. They survive loss. They find their way back. Healing is possible.
- Those who have lived through suicidal crisis or a suicide loss carry something that matters — insight, resilience, and stories that make prevention more human and more hopeful.
- Being there for someone after a loss or an attempt isn't just an act of kindness. It is a form of prevention.
- Real change starts with real voices. Peer support, and connection with others who have been through something similar, is part of how recovery happens.
- Schools, workplaces, and communities that have a plan for responding after a suicide loss are better prepared to help and less likely to experience further harm.
- Dignity starts with being heard. When people feel respected and valued, they are more likely to seek help and stay connected to care.
- September is one month. The commitment to connection, support, and healing is for all year long.
Faith Communities
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Faith Communities - Post 1
Post Copy - All Platforms: Build a community where people feel safe asking for help before a crisis. This September, faith communities are making it happen. Find resources to support yours: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/prevention
#FaithAndSuicidePrevention #SPM2026Image Description for Alt Text
Group of five holding speech bubbles with text, “Let’s build healthier communities. Let’s save lives.”
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Faith Communities - Post 2
Post Copy - All Platforms: Faith communities make sure no one faces a crisis alone. Know the warning signs, share 988, and foster a place where people can be honest about struggling – these are acts of care. Suicide is preventable. Healing is possible. 988lifeline.org
#FaithAndSuicidePrevention #SPM2026 #YouAreNotAloneImage Description for Alt Text
Overlapping hearts with text, “Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives.”
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Faith Communities - Post 3
Post Copy - All Platforms: Our faith communities are built on connection. Suicide prevention starts with saying something. A genuine 'are you okay?' can open a door. When someone needs more help, 988 is there – answered by a real person. 988lifeline.org
#FaithAndSuicidePrevention #SPM2026 #StrongerTogetherImage Description for Alt Text
Hands beneath a rising sun with text, “Suicide touches every community. But so can hope.”
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Faith Communities - Post 4
Post Copy - All Platforms: Healing is possible. Faith nurtures hope. If someone is struggling, 988 is there 24/7. Call, text, or chat. 988lifeline.org
#FaithAndSuicidePrevention #SPM2026 #StrongerTogether #988LifelineImage Description for Alt Text
Group of four standing together with text, “No matter who you are, no matter your story, you matter. Connect. Support. Prevent.”
Special Observances
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Labor Day - Sept 7
Post Copy - All Platforms: Happy #LaborDay! Take some time to check in with someone you care about. A simple conversation can strengthen connection, reduce stigma and remind someone they're not alone. This #SuicidePreventionMonth, let's build stronger communities together. samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/prevention
#StrongerTogether #SPM2026Image Description for Alt Text
“Happy Labor Day” graphic with suicide prevention ribbons and hearts; “Connect. Support. Prevent. Stronger Together.”
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Patriot Day - Sept 11
Post Copy - All Platforms: Today, we honor those we lost on September 11 — first responders, service members, and all who answered the call. We will never forget. If today brings up difficult emotions, support is available. Veterans: dial 988 and press 1. veteranscrisisline.net
#SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #StrongerTogetherImage Description for Alt Text
American flag heart with text, “September 11 Patriot Day. We will never forget,” and crisis support information.
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World Suicide Prevention Day - Sept 10
Post Copy - All Platforms: Today, the world comes together to say suicide IS preventable. Every community. Every one of us has a role. Call, text, or chat with 988. 988lifeline.org
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAloneImage Description for Alt Text
Globe made of handprints with an awareness ribbon and text, “Suicide is preventable.”
Hashtag Guidance
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Hashtags
The hashtags below serve as a unifying thread for social media content related to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and make it easy for people to find and follow the conversation. Feel free to use the following hashtags for your Suicide Prevention Awareness Month-related content:
- #SPM2026 (primary)
- #SuicidePrevention
- #SuicidePreventionMonth
- #StrongerTogether
- #ConnectSupportPrevent
- #YouMatter
- #YouAreNotAlone
- #SupportMatters
- #988Lifeline
- #FaithAndSuicidePrevention
Best Practices
- Use Key Messages
Lead every post with a real message. Don't just share the graphics. Try pairing them with the key messages we've provided. They're plain language, evidence-based, and ready to use as-is or adapted for your audience. That's exactly what they're there for. - Incorporate Weekly Themes
September is organized into four weeks: Prevention, Crisis Support, Treatment, and Recovery. When your posts align with the week's focus, they become part of a coordinated national conversation and not just one more post in a feed. Check the weekly themes before you build your calendar. - Tag SAMHSA
When you tag us, your content reaches our networks too. That means more people see what you're sharing, and more people connect to the resources you're pointing them to.- Instagram: @samhsagov
- Facebook: @samhsa
- X: @samhsagov
- LinkedIn: @samhsa
- Use the Hashtags: Start by putting #SPM2026 on every post. This is the hashtag that ties the entire observance together: every partner, every platform, every week of September. Without it, your post stands alone. With it, you're part of something national. Don’t forget using our other official hashtags, including #SPM2026, #StrongerTogether, #SuicidePrevention, #YouMatter, #SupportMatters, #YouAreNotAlone, and #FaithAndSuicidePrevention. These hashtags will help promote SAMHSA's key messages and make it easier for people to find and engage in conversation.
- Promote Resources: Please promote our resources to share important information about mental health awareness and support for individuals, families, and communities living with or affected by mental health conditions.
- Engage Faith and Community Partners: Communities of faith and faith-based organizations are trusted voices in the communities we serve. Share our faith-specific resources and encourage partners to carry SPM 2026 messaging into their networks and community gatherings.
Stickers
We hope you find these stickers helpful in engaging your audiences and promoting our shared mission.
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Sticker 1
spm-2026-sticker-1 (PNG | 125.82 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo with purple and teal awareness ribbon.
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Sticker 2
spm-2026-sticker-2 (PNG | 97.79 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo on a teal and purple banner.
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Sticker 3
spm-2026-sticker-3 (PNG | 92.1 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Oval Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo with purple and teal ribbon.
Social Media Profile Frames
The social media profile frames will help you show your commitment to suicide prevention visually.
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Profile Frame 1
spm-2026-profile-frame-1 (PNG | 153.45 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Purple-to-teal circular profile frame with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo.
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Profile Frame 2
spm-2026-profile-frame-2 (PNG | 175.1 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Purple-to-teal brushstroke profile frame with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo.
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Profile Frame 3
spm-2026-profile-frame-3 (PNG | 138.9 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Purple-to-teal brushstroke profile frame with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo and ribbon.
Virtual Backgrounds
The Virtual Backgrounds are designed to enhance your virtual events, meetings, and social media content throughout the month. They aim to promote suicide prevention and foster conversations around this important topic.
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Virtual Background 1
spm-2026-virtual-background-1 (PNG | 540.24 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Lavender watercolor background with gold accents and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo.
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Virtual Background 2
spm-2026-virtual-background-2 (JPG | 290.49 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
White background with large purple and teal awareness ribbon and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo.
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Virtual Background 3
spm-2026-virtual-background-3 (PNG | 495.84 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Light blue background with subtle hearts, awareness ribbon, and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo.
Email Signatures
Use the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month email signature template throughout September in all email correspondence to promote awareness and build brand recognition of the observance.
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Email Signature 1
spm-2026-email-signature-option-1 (PNG | 60.29 KB)Use the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month email signature template.
Image Description for Alt Text
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo beside contact information.
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Email Signature 2
spm-2026-email-signature-option-2 (PNG | 65.48 KB)Image Description for Alt Text
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo in a purple and teal frame beside contact information.
Logo
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Logo
spm-2026-logo (JPG | 1.04 MB)Image Description for Alt Text
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month logo with purple and teal awareness ribbon and supportive hands.