Image Alternative Text: Depicted is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Suicide Prevention Month 2023 image. The image reads, "There is hope" in white script. The background of the image is bright-colored purple. The image is via SAMHSA.
Written by:
Patricia Fortunato, Content and Program Manager, Clinical Research and Grants, NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute (NMI); and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training and Content Developer, Department of Psychiatry, Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) (fortun83@rowan.edu)
with input from
Lindsay Johnson, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC, Assistant Director of Well-Being, Rowan University Wellness Center and Rowan Thrive;
Rachael Shapiro, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Writing Arts, College of Communication and Creative Arts (CCCA) at Rowan University; and Provost Fellow on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Rowan University;
Kha' Sadler, Psy.D., Mental Health Clinician and Associate Provost, Rowan University;
Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Rowan University;
and medical, clinical, and administrative colleagues at the Rowan University Wellness Center, Rowan University Academic Affairs, Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM), and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
Thank you to everyone for collaborating and helping to provide critical input and resources.
Together with all Rowan colleges and schools, we are committed to supporting our campuses and communities and helping one another in prioritizing mental health and preventing suicide.
The following contents/articles are dedicated to all people who are struggling, and all people in all stages of recovery and healing. Please know that there is no shame in seeking support and continued treatment. You are important and your life matters.
Warning: This content discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at "988." Additionally, all Rowan University students from all Rowan colleges and schools including the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) can call Rowan Public Safety at 856.256.4911. If these resources do not meet your needs and you or someone you know is still at risk for harm from yourself or others, please call 911. If you are supporting someone in need, do not leave the person alone until emergency medical services arrive.
The month of September is recognized as both Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health across the U.S. and improve the lives of people living with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD), along with their loved ones/families.
Each year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, collaborates with other suicide prevention and mental health organizations and advocates across the U.S. to promote awareness in September. Also during this month-long observation, Suicide Prevention Week takes place on the Monday through Sunday centering World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). This year, Suicide Prevention Week is observed on September 10 to September 16, with Physician Suicide Awareness Day observed on September 17.
(For educational information and supportive resources focused on stigma, substance dependence and SUD/addictions treatment, and related terms and issues, in honor of Recovery Month and year-round, please visit go.rowan.edu/recovery.)
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's message for this month and year-round is "#BeThe1To," a phrase and social media hashtag that helps to proliferate actions everyone can take to prevent suicide in their communities. The 988 Lifeline network is focused on shifting the conversation from suicide, to suicide prevention—and actions that promote healing, help, and hope.
Image Alternative Text: Depicted is the SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline image promoting "#BeThe1To." The image reads clockwise, "Ask. Keep Them Safe. Be There. Help Them Connect. Follow-Up." Depicted in the middle of the image are two hands, bright-colored green, clasped in solidarity. The background of the image is white. The image is via SAMHSA.
Image Alternative Text: Depicted is the SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline image promoting the Lifeline's call, text, and online chat functions. The image reads, "We're here if you need someone to talk to" and depicts a bright-colored "heart" reaction. The background of the image is white. The image is via SAMHSA.
Throughout these observances and year-round, Rowan University supports all people struggling with mental health disorders and substance dependence or SUD through its support services and resources available for students, faculty, and staff from all Rowan colleges and schools including the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU).
Events and Resource Articles from Rowan University
- Rowan Campus and Community Events: Please click here for a list of suicide prevention trainings and mental wellbeing events taking place on Rowan's Glassboro campus, and across surrounding communities.
- Rowan Community Social Media Campaign: Please click here for information about the Rowan community suicide prevention awareness social media campaign that all community members can join to share supportive messages of healing, help, and hope.
- Mental Health Equity Research and Grants: Information and resources to support marginalized communities and special populations at-risk of suicide are available at this link.
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Information regarding warning signs for suicide among adults and youth, via SAMHSA, is available at this link.
- Peer Education: Action steps to help safeguard classmates, colleagues, and community members from risk of suicide and how to support them when in crisis are available at this link.
- Support for All Rowan Students: Please click here for a list of support services for undergraduate and graduate students on Rowan's Glassboro campus and graduate students, medical students, and medical residents from Rowan–Virtua SOM and CMSRU who are struggling with mental health issues and/or substance dependence, SUD, and other medical needs.
- Support for All Rowan Medical Students and Medical Residents: Please click here for a list of support services for Rowan Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Rowan GSBS), Rowan–Virtua SOM, and CMSRU graduate students, medical students, and medical residents who are struggling with mental health issues.
- Support for All Rowan Faculty, Staff, and the General Public: Please click here for a list of support services and resources for Rowan faculty and staff, and the general public, who are struggling with mental health issues and/or substance dependence or SUD.
Seek Help Now
If you or someone you know is at risk for harm from yourself or others, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Additional Resources
Learn more about #BeThe1To at bethe1to.com, and learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
Learn about the physician suicide crisis, suicide prevention resources, and how to help create a culture of mental wellbeing, via the Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician Suicide website.
Educational information and supportive resources focused on stigma, substance dependence and substance use disorder (SUD)/addictions treatment, and related terms and issues are available at go.rowan.edu/recovery.
Interested in contributing to the Rowan University DEI website/blog and/or social media? Please complete the following brief interest form and share with student groups and colleagues across all Rowan colleges and schools: go.rowan.edu/deicontent