Governor’s Office Recognizes September 2026 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

BOSTON, MA—The Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has issued a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

“We are grateful to live in a state whose leaders recognize the importance of having honest conversations about mental health and supporting those impacted by suicide,” said Kathleen C. Marchi, chief executive officer and president of Samaritans, Inc., the oldest suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts. “I’d like to thank Governor Healey, as well as Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Ted Philips, who have been loyal advocates of suicide prevention work. We appreciate their continued support of lifesaving services that provide connection and hope to the people of Massachusetts.”

The proclamation states the following:

Whereas, Suicide is a national public health challenge that causes immeasurable pain among individuals, families and communities across the country; and

Whereas, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-34; and

Whereas, In the United States, 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024, according to Centers for Disease Control, with one person dying every 14 hours by suicide in Massachusetts; and

Whereas, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that 90% of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and potentially treatable mental health condition, even if they do not recognize it or do not obtain treatment; and

Whereas, Massachusetts has established a Suicide Prevention Program that provides support to community agencies, education and training for professionals and caregivers, and fund programs working with youth, veterans, and older adults; and

Whereas, We recognize September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month for every individual struggling with suicidal ideation in an effort to bring awareness to prevention strategies and stand in solidarity with all those who are affected by this health crisis; and

Whereas, Suicide prevention is possible as suicide is not inevitable for anyone. Suicide grief support and educational programs can help to spread awareness, decrease the stigma, and foster conversations around mental health needs. Suicide and mental health crisis helplines, like 988, can support people through their struggles and help build a healthier, more resilient and inclusive society and Commonwealth; and

Whereas, Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income level or background, but understanding the risk factors and warning signs for suicide behavior can greatly help us all to care for our families, friends and neighbors,

Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim September 2026, to be,

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

And urge all the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of September, in the year two thousand and twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and fiftieth.

About Samaritans
Samaritans, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization that offers free, confidential, and nonjudgmental services to all who need them. Since 1974, Samaritans has answered more than 3.5 million calls and texts; educated 200,000 people to prevent suicide; supported 24,000 suicide loss survivors; and trained 6,500 volunteers to provide compassionate support.  

Get Help 
If you are overwhelmed, having thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone, Samaritans is here to listen. You are not alone. Text or call 988 for 24/7 support, or chat 988lifeline.org. People up to age 24 can text Hey Sam at 439-726 for peer support.