Statewide events aim to amplify suicide prevention, awareness next month
Hawaiʻi is recognizing “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” with events throughout the state this September.
Suicide remains a significant public health challenge with long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. The most recent results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed an estimated 13.9 million U.S. adults age 18 or older had serious thoughts of suicide in 2025.
In Hawaiʻi, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death overall. Adults ages 25 to 34 have the highest rate of suicide.
The state of Hawaiʻi recognizes September as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” with Sept. 10 observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day.
Suicide prevention in Hawaiʻi is a comprehensive effort among state, community, military, and federal partners. Hawaiʻi was one of the first states to establish a statewide suicide prevention gatekeeper training network, as well as one of the first states to host an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention “Paws for Prevention” event.
The state has also received multiple major federal grants providing suicide prevention resources for youth, state workers, farmers, first responders, veterans, and rural communities.
“Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility that depends on compassion, connection and community,” said Dr. Gavin Takenaka, Adult Mental Health Division administrator at the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. “During Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we encourage everyone across Hawaiʻi to learn the warning signs, reach out to one another — and remind those who may be struggling that help is available and hope is real.”
From training to sign waving to walks, multiple agencies are doing their part to raise awareness of suicide. Among the partners supporting events this month is the Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force.
The Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force will operate daily in communities across Hawaiʻi to empower everyone to realize their role in preventing suicide, emphasizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
“Hawaiʻi has incredibly dedicated suicide prevention partners and advocates, but you don’t have to be an expert to save lives,” said Renee Yu, suicide prevention public health educator for the Department of Health Emergency Medical Systems of Care. “We can all do our part to prevent suicide by listening, making connections, and reducing stigma through our everyday interactions.”
In Hawaiʻi County, there will be a sign-waving campaign by Together with Veterans Hawaiʻi and American Legion Post 3 from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Bayfront Highway across from the King Kamehameha statue.
Later that week, the 2nd Annual Jalen Youth Suicide Prevention and Mental Health and Awareness Day is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Kurtistown Samoan English Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
If you are struggling, help is just a call, text, or chat away. Some available resources include:
- Hawai‘i CARES 988 is 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, and recommendations for behavioral health assessments, services, and crisis interventions.
- Call or text “988” 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Hawaiʻi Poison Center provides help for poisoning emergencies.
- Call 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force has more local resources on its website.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawaiʻi Chapter brings people from all backgrounds together to prevent suicide and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Learn more on the website.
- The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has more information on suicide prevention in Hawaiʻi and offers free, anonymous online suicide prevention training on its website.
