UofL, UofL Health have resources in place for National Suicide Prevention Week and beyond

National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-11. UofL has a number of events scheduled this week, as well as several resources available all year round for students who may be in need of help. 

• Sept. 8: A virtual QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training session, noon.
• Sept. 9: A Campus Mental Health Supports Resource Fair, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the SAC Atrium.
• Sept. 9: Virtual QPR training, 3 p.m. 
• Sept. 9: AFSP's virtual "It's Real: Mental Health for College Students" video and discussion, 6-7 p.m. 
• Sept. 10: Bereaved by suicide support groups, faculty and staff, 12-1 p.m.; students, 2-3 p.m. 

Also to mark National Suicide Prevention Week, UofL Health - Peace Hospital and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear are calling on everyone to help those in crisis find resources and save lives. 

“With the mental health challenges many people have faced during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to be supportive, to make sure they realize they are not alone, for us to know the signs and to take immediate action to help those in crisis,” Governor Beshear said in a press release. “Through the remainder of this pandemic and as we emerge, we must look out for our fellow Kentuckians and protect one another to prevent us from losing more beloved family members, friends and neighbors to suicide.”

Last year, 756 Kentuckians died by suicide, making it the 11th leading cause of death and second among those ages 10-34. 

Peace Hospital is among the largest behavioral health facilities in the nation, offering 24/7 no-charge assessments and support for all ages. Call 502-451-333. 

More information about the on-campus Cards Speak events can be found online here. Cards Speak counseling hours are also available on campus at 502-852-6585. 

Also, the UofL ConcernCenter is available to help you find resources on campus based on various concerns. More information is available here. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255. 

“More than 10 million Americans will have thoughts about suicide every year. We lost a heartbreaking 756 Kentuckians last year. One is too many,” said Martha Mather, Chief Administrative Officer of UofL Health – Peace Hospital. “It is important we talk about suicide and mental health. The more we talk about it, it reduces the stigma. And the more we know about it, the better prepared we are to step in to help.”