MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health and its statewide partners are observing National Suicide Prevention Month by encouraging Alabamians to strengthen personal connections, discuss mental health openly and make lifesaving resources more visible throughout their communities.
This year’s theme is “Cultivating Connection Nationwide: Strengthen Suicide Prevention Together.”
ADMH said Alabama recorded 837 deaths by suicide in 2024, equivalent to approximately 16.2 deaths per 100,000 residents. The department said the number underscores the importance of reducing stigma, recognizing warning signs and ensuring people know where to turn before or during a crisis.
A central part of Alabama’s crisis-response system is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Since its July 2022 launch, the lifeline has received more than 179,000 contacts from Alabama.
ADMH said more than 5,000 people experiencing signs of a suicidal crisis have also received immediate assistance through Alabama’s six crisis centers.
Calls and texts to 988 are answered by trained crisis professionals who can provide support, assess an individual’s needs and connect callers with mobile crisis teams, crisis centers or emergency responders when necessary.
The service is available for suicide-related concerns, mental health or substance use crises and other forms of emotional distress. People may also contact 988 when they are concerned about a loved one.
“Every call to 988 represents a step toward hope and healing and a life saved,” ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell said. “Our mission at ADMH is to build a stronger, more connected system of care. Through our crisis centers, mobile crisis teams and the dedication of our statewide partners, we are working every day to ensure that no one in Alabama must face a crisis alone.”
Project Zero Suicide, facilitated by VitAL, will offer suicide-prevention webinars throughout September.
Scheduled sessions include “Suicide Prevention in College Students & Young Adults” at 11 a.m. Sept. 11, Question, Persuade, Refer training at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 and “Understanding and Responding to Youth Suicide Risk: A Multisystemic Approach” at 1 p.m. Sept. 24.
Statewide prevention organizations also offer evidence-based training programs such as QPR and Mental Health First Aid. The programs teach participants how to recognize warning signs, begin potentially lifesaving conversations and connect people with professional assistance.
On Sept. 10, the Council on Substance Abuse will lead its annual “R U OK? Day.” The initiative encourages people to check on relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers who may be struggling.
ADMH said asking a simple question and listening without judgment can be an important first step toward getting someone help.
In Cullman County, WellStone operates 24-hour mobile crisis teams for adults, children and adolescents.
The adult mobile crisis team can be reached at 256-763-8554.
The children and adolescents team can be reached at 256-947-4016.
WellStone’s Cullman Access to Care line is 256-255-1020.
Anyone struggling or experiencing a crisis may call or text 988 for free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Veterans may call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone facing an immediate, life-threatening emergency should call 911.
