September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Hands cupped, holding a yellow ribbon folded to support suicide prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. HFC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its community.

Suicide Prevention 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 impacted by suicide. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works to spread vital information to people impacted by suicide. NAMI’s goal is ensuring that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, background, or many other factors. Death by suicide is sometimes the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, often indicate more serious issues. We want to remind you that you have access to resources to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

“Our mental health and wellbeing are as important as our physical health and wellbeing,” said HFC counselor Amy Ducklow of HFC’s Counseling Center.

Resources for you, any time you need them

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 free and available to anyone. The Lifeline is available for your own crisis or for someone you care about. 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.

“Even though you may feel alone, we want you to understand that you are not alone,” said Ducklow. “We want to make sure you know about this national number for you to call at any time, in addition to our campus-based counselors who are here to talk to you.”

If you wish to make an appointment with a licensed professional counselor at HFC, call 313-845-9611 or counseling@hfcc.edu.

Other HFC resources to assist you

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 313-845-9630 from an outside phone or 9630 from a campus phone. You may also contact Campus Safety for non-emergency questions 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:

Other External Resources

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 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.

Related content: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month informational video