September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. HFC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its community.
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this urgent mental health crisis, shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information with people affected by suicide. The National Alliance on Mental Illness wants to spread vital information to people impacted by suicide. NAMI’s goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Suicidal thoughts, much like many mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, or background. In fact, death by suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, can often indicate more serious issues.
“You must understand that our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as our physical health and wellbeing,” said HFC counselor Deb Gates.
24/7 resources are readily available
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) was established in 2005. This suicide prevention network, with more than 200 crisis centers throughout the United States, provides a 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the telephone number 9-8-8. This hotline is available to anyone. The call is routed to the nearest crisis center so you can receive immediate counseling and local mental health support. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
If you are uncomfortable speaking to someone over the phone, you can use the online chat. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org.
“Students, please understand that you are not alone, even though you may feel that way,” said Gates. “We want to make sure you know about this national number, in addition to our campus-based counselors who are here to talk to you.” To make an appointment with a licensed professional counselor at HFC, contact 313-845-9611 or counseling@hfcc.edu.
Various HFC resources (not exclusively for suicide prevention)
Employee Assistance Program is a free resource that supports the mental health of HFC employees. Here is a list of EAP services provided through Ulliance.
Campus Safety provides assistance, safety, and crime prevention services to the community. Call Campus Safety at 9911 from a campus phone or 313-845-9630 from an outside phone. Campus Safety can also be reached by email at campussafety@hfcc.edu.
Assisted Learning Services provides accessible education to students with disabilities. Contact ALS at 313-845-9617 or als@hfcc.edu.
Office of Student Conduct and Title IX: The Title IX Office supports our community in creating and sustaining an environment that is free from all forms of sexual misconduct and discrimination. All members of the HFC community are responsible for understanding and adhering to HFC’s standards of behavior. Contact:
- HFC Title IX Coordinator Munira Kassim at 313-845-6301 or mmkassim@hfcc.edu.
- HFC Employee Deputy Title IX Coordinator Raya York at 313-845-9698 or rdyork@hfcc.edu.
Other external resources
If you are experiencing difficulties that are not immediately urgent, you may wish to reach out to a community organization that provides resources and support.
NOTE: HFC provides links to external resources solely as an informational service to our community. We do not endorse or partner with these external organizations. We cannot provide referrals or any services related to these organizations. We encourage you to ask questions and make sure the support services are right for you.
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance for Mental Health Michigan
- Community Mental Health Crisis lines
- World Health Organization
- Common Ground
- Creating Healthy Routines
- Finding the Positive After Loss
- Owning Your Feelings
- Calm
Mental health screenings
Screening is one of the best ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take a mental health test to help promote prevention, early identification, and intervention.