Community events in Hawai’i aim to raise awareness for suicide prevention

Suicide is a persistent public health concern in Hawaiʻi, ranking as the second-leading cause of fatal injuries.

Recent data reveals that nearly four Hawaiʻi residents die by suicide every week, with 1,056 lives lost between 2019 and 2023. Each suicide and suicide attempt has lasting emotional, mental, physical, and economic impacts on families and communities. According to the data:

• Men account for more than 76% of suicide deaths in Hawaiʻi.
• Men ages 30 to 59 face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Young women ages 15 to 19 have the highest rates of suicide attempts.

These disparities highlight the need for multifaceted prevention strategies, resources, and cross-sector collaborations to create hope through action.

The state of Hawaiʻi recognizes September as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” with Sept. 10 observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. Throughout the month, suicide prevention partners and advocates—representing state, community, and the military—will conduct a multitude of events across the state to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, increase connectedness, and promote healing.

Together with Veterans Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force are hosting a majority of the seven events scheduled to recognize the month, which include:

• 2nd Annual Veteran Resource Fair on Aug. 30: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i is hosting the fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
  • For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• SafeTALK on Sept. 8: Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force is hosting a free suicide prevention training from 12 to 4 p.m.
  • For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.
• “How to Have the Uncomfortable Conversation” on Sept. 12: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and The Guardian Foundation is hosting the talk story from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Ka‘ū.
  • For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Adult Mental Health First Aid on Sept. 15: A free training by Child and Family Services, with funds from the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo.
  • For information, email mbell@cfs-hawaii.org.   
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on Sept. 20: The walk will be at the Makaʻeo Walking Path at the Old Kona Airport Beach Park from 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Hosted by the Kona Community Hospital, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Hospice of Kona, and County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation
• Any is Too Many Suicide Awareness Sign Waving Campaign on Sept. 22: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and American Legion Post 3 will host the sign waving from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Bayfront Highway across from the King Kamehameha statute in Hilo.
  • For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Sign waving on Sept. 27: Hawai‘i Island Prevent Suicide Task Force will host the sign waving on the Bayfront Lawn on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. F
  • For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.

“Behind every statistic is a life cut short, leaving behind a family forever changed. While the numbers can feel overwhelming, they remind us why this work is so critical,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Through initiatives like the ‘Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide’ and the dedicated efforts of our state agencies and community partners, we are committed to saving lives and supporting those in crisis.”

“Every person we reach, every connection we make, and every resource we can provide brings us closer to a future where fewer families in Hawaiʻi experience this devastating loss,” he continued.

Dennis Hida, chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawaiʻi Chapter, stated that the organization has a goal to reduce suicide by 25% in Hawaiʻi, which will be accomplished by raising awareness of suicide prevention, helping to fund critical research, advocating for vital resources, and being a safe place where people are supported and better understood.

“Suicide prevention has to be a shared responsibility,” said Renee Yu, suicide prevention coordinator for the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch. “Connection is the most powerful suicide prevention tool. By strengthening our connections to each other, our communities, and our land, we will save lives.”

The 2023 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed some key findings:

• Of public middle school students, about 34% have felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 26% have seriously thought about killing themselves.
• Of public high school students, in the past 12 months, about 35% felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide.

“Too many of our keiki feel like they don’t know how to get the help they need,” said Keli Acquaro, administrator for the Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division. “Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported when it comes to their mental health. Show the young people in your life that their mental health matters—listen without judgment, offer support, and remind them they are not alone.”

“In the embrace of community and the strength of culture, we connect to care,” said Deborah Goebert, co-chair for Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force, “offering hope, extending help, and fostering healing. Together, we collaborate to prevent suicide.”

If you are struggling, help is a call, text, or chat away. Resources available include:

• Hawai‘i CARES 988: Call or text 988, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • A free and anonymous crisis, mental health and substance use call center.
  • Locally trained and qualified staff provide supportive counseling and screening for urgent or emergent mental health or substance use needs, recommendations for behavioral health assessments, services and crisis interventions. 
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawai‘i Chapter: An organization that brings people together from all backgrounds to prevent suicide and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
• Hawai‘i Poison Center: Call 1-800-222-1222 for poisoning emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free, anonymous online suicide prevention training
• Prevent Suicide Hawai‘i Task Force