Crisis Hotline In Oakton To Kick Off Suicide Prevention Campaign

OAKTON, VA—September markers Suicide Prevention Month, and an Oakton-based crisis hotline is launching a campaign to raise awareness about suicide awareness and eliminate stigma for getting help.

PRS, Inc., the nonprofit providing Northern Virginia’s crisis hotline and textline, will begin the fourth annual #CallTextLive Campaign on Sept. 1. The campaign encompasses specific activities to create awareness about preventing suicide and calling or texting a hotline to get help.

“We have all lost too many lives to suicide. It’s time to erase the stigma around discussing issues that contribute to suicide and encourage people to get help," said Wendy Gradison, CEO of PRS, Inc. "#CallTextLive uses social media, activities and events to drive community conversation. We want people to visit our website to find simple ways to spark change."

Using the hashtag #CallTextLive, the campaign aims to educate the community about available resources and actions they can take to bring awareness to suicide prevention and intervention. Often a simple call to a crisis hotline or text line can be the resource a person in crisis needs.

By visiting PRS’ website at www.prsinc.org/calltextlive/, the community can learn how to participate in the #CallTextLive Campaign.

The campaign will offer resources and stories of survivors and culminate in the Sept. 29 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Fairfax Walk.

The #CallTextLive campaign will entail:

• An interactive event calendar
• Tips and resources to share via social media
• Facebook Live Q&A with the PRS CrisisLink Call Center about prevention
• Stories and photos on PRS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #CallTextLive hashtag, especially on Selfie Day (Sept. 28)
• Video vignettes from survivors, family members, hotline volunteers throughout the month
• Fundraiser to support CrisisLink Hotline/Textline
• Special Topics: Learn about suicide prevention as it relates to gun safety, veterans, older adults, LGBTQ and youth. Hear from survivors.
• T-shirts: Available for purchase to wear during events and for Selfie Day
• PRS supported events
  • Sept. 10: World Suicide Prevention Day – Suicide Prevention Training at PRS CrisisLink
  • Sept. 16: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Loudoun Walk
  • Sept. 22: NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) NoVa Walk
  • Sept. 28: PRS’ Selfie Day, when friends, community, clients show support
  • Sept. 29: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fairfax Walk

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationwide and and second leading cause for people aged 15-24, taking around 45,000 lives annually, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

However, for every death, 278 people ca beat suicide and survive. PRS handled nearly 34,000 crisis calls and over 33,000 crisis text messages from the Northern Virginia region last year.

For more information, visit www.prsinc.org.

If you are in crisis, call the The PRS CrisisLink Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK [8255] and the textline by texting "CONNECT" to 85511.

Image via PRS, Inc.