Uptown Charlotte Going Teal And Purple For World Suicide Prevention Day On September 10th

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte skyline is going teal and purple on September 10th in support of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Every year more than 703,000 people die by suicide, which is one person every 40 seconds in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

By providing awareness and resources, health officials say suicide can be prevented. World Suicide Prevention Day reinforces this by providing events, resources, and actionable steps.

The day of observance was established in 2003 by the WHO, with the initial goal being that “suicide is preventable.”

Officials say since then, the day has grown and evolved its messaging.

World Suicide Prevention Day coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, meaning the month of September in the United States is dedicated to reducing the stigmas associated with mental health, substance abuse, and suicide.

Officials suggest taking the following steps to observe World Suicide Prevention Day:

• Add crisis resource numbers to your phone and encourage family and friends to do the same. Example: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
• Reach out to those in your community that may be struggling with their mental health.
• Advocate for mental health policies to ensure everyone in your community has access to mental health care, suicide prevention training, and funding for local crisis resources.
• Get involved in community organizations.