World Suicide Prevention Day

Every September, the World Health Organization sponsors a World Suicide Prevention Day promoting worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.

With the sponsoring International Association for Suicide Prevention, WHO and other partners advocate for the prevention of suicidal behavior, provision of adequate treatment and follow-up care for people who attempted suicide, as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the media.

At the global level, awareness needs to be raised that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death. Governments need to develop policy frameworks for national suicide prevention strategies. At the local level, policy statements and research outcomes need to be translated into prevention programs and activities in communities.

Additional information about suicide prevention is available:
Depression and Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resource Manual
CDC's Suicide Prevention
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)