September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the Mental Health Advancement Foundation will host its second annual Suicide Prevention Amazing Race from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 27 at Pedigo Park.
The purpose of the high-energy adventure is to bring awareness, connection and action to suicide prevention. Teams and individuals are welcome to participate and the entry fee is $25 per person. Solve clues, X marks the spot, complete fund challenges and raise awareness. Win prizes and support a lifesaving cause.
All participants will receive an event T-shirt. Register now at www.givebutter.com/SPAR. Spots are limited so don’t wait.
As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will host a series of informative webinars, with one session scheduled each Friday.
“Language Matters” is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 12. When discussing suicide, language matters. In this webinar, the HHSC Suicide Prevention Team will discuss ways to talk about suicide in a clear and factual manner. Participants will be given tips for safe messaging about suicide prevention.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f68343c4-8eb5-4f73-b0c2-04957def56c1@9bf97732-82b9-499b-b16a-a93e8ebd536b
“Voices of Lived Experience: Conversations with Survivors of Suicide Attempt” is from 10-11 a.m. on Sept. 19. This webinar will feature a panel of survivors of suicide attempt who will share their perspectives on postvention supports and what worked best for them as they live through their experiences with suicide.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/84a65abe-c605-46d9-9cc6-f248d3bd5bae@9bf97732-82b9-499b-b16aa93e8ebd536b
“The Role of Mindfulness in Suicide Prevention” is from 10-11 a.m. on Sept. 26. A vast body of research demonstrates that having a consistent mindfulness practice alters brain regions associated with emotional regulation and impulse control. These are key factors in suicide prevention because many people who attempt suicide do so in a heightened state of emotion and distress and often act quickly on their decision to attempt. Therefore, for those with a consistent practice, mindfulness offers a promising avenue for suicide prevention by mitigating impulsive, reactive responses.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4bbf2ab7-5a21-430d-b81ddba779e26856@9bf97732-82b9-499b-b16aa93e8ebd536b
For questions about these broadcasts or for additional information, email suicide.prevention@hhs.texas.gov.
