CARMEL, INDIANA – September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an annual awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention. Each year, over 44,000 Americans die by suicide, and in 2022, a record 49,500 people lost their lives to suicide. Men die by suicide four times more often than women, and this number continues to rise. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, and now ranks as the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

Sigma Tau Gamma has been affected by suicide too often for us to remain silent. We must take a stand and pledge to care for our brothers. Communities play a vital role in supporting those who are vulnerable, and chapters serve as communities for members who can help their brothers overcome stigma and seek the help they need. Never underestimate the impact of the kindness you extend to others—it can be life-changing.

Our Principles of Leadership and Brotherhood remind us never to hesitate in lending assistance to a brother in need, and to honor our lifelong commitment to one another.

What can you do as a chapter?

• Share information about your campus counseling center during your chapter meeting, including hours, location, phone number, and services.
• If you or someone you know needs to talk, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or text TALK to 741741.
• If you believe someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the following national awareness campaigns and initiatives:

• National Suicide Prevention Month – An annual campaign in September to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
• World Suicide Prevention Day – Held every year on September 10th to remember those affected by suicide, promote awareness, and focus on directing treatment to those who need it most.
• National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week – The Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, dedicated to raising awareness and sharing resources and stories.
• #BeThe1To – A national campaign encouraging people to take five action steps to prevent suicide: ask, be there, keep them safe, help them connect, and follow up.
• Systems Change and Firearms Suicide Prevention – A nationwide initiative aimed at reducing the annual suicide rate in the U.S. by 20% by 2025.

Together, we can reduce the number of people who die by suicide each year by raising awareness, fighting stigma, and caring for one another.

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY
Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity celebrated 100 years of brotherhood in 2020. In the last 104 years, the organization has called 198 campuses home and has more than 76,000 initiated members. With a current presence on 55 campuses from coast to coast, our membership includes more than 2,000 undergraduate men. Visit sigtau.org for additional information.