September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

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The Suicide Prevention graphic with the teal and purple ribbon and teal and purple helping hands.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. HFC is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of its community.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this urgent mental health crisis, shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) wants to spread vital information to people impacted by suicide. NAMI’s goal is ensuring that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Suicidal thoughts, much like many mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. In fact, death by suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, can indicate more serious mental health issues that are treatable.

“Our mental health and well-being is just as important as our physical health and well-being,” said HFC counselor Deb Gates of HFC’s Counseling Center.

How to get support and help

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) was established in 2005. This suicide prevention network with more than 200 crisis centers throughout the United States provides a 24/7 toll-free hotline with the telephone number 9-8-8. This hotline is available to anyone. The call is routed to the nearest crisis center so you can receive immediate counseling and local mental health support. The Lifeline is available for your own suicide crisis or for someone you care about. You can also call 800-273-TALK (8255).

If you are uncomfortable speaking to someone over the phone, you can use the online chat, or text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org.

“Students, please realize you are not alone, even though you might feel alone,” said Gates. “We want to make sure you know about this national number to call at any time, in addition to our campus-based counselors who are here to talk to you.”

To make an appointment with a licensed professional counselor at HFC, contact 313-845-9611 or email counseling@hfcc.edu.

Other HFC resources to assist you

Employee Assistance Program is a free resource that supports the mental health of HFC employees. Here is a list of EAP services provided through Ulliance.

Campus Safety provides assistance, safety, and crime prevention services to the community. Call Campus Safety at 9911 from a campus phone or 313-845-9630 from an outside phone. Campus Safety can also be reached through your HFC Reach Out App and by email at campussafety@hfcc.edu.

Assisted Learning Services provides accessible education to students with disabilities. Contact ALS at 313-845-9617 or als@hfcc.edu.

Office of Student Conduct and Title IX: The Title IX Office supports our community in creating and sustaining an environment that is free from all forms of sexual misconduct and discrimination. Contact:

  • HFC Title IX Coordinator Munira Kassim at 313-845-6301 or mmkassim@hfcc.edu.
  • HFC Student Deputy Title IX Coordinator Glenn Richards at 313-845-6315 or grrichards2@hfcc.edu.
  • HFC Employee Deputy Title IX Coordinator Mark Tade at 313-845-9851 or metade@hfcc.edu.

Other External Resources

* HFC provides links to external resources as an informational service to our community. We do not endorse or partner with these external organizations. We cannot provide referrals or = services related to these organizations. We encourage you to ask questions and make sure the support services are right for you.

Mental Health Screenings

Screening is one of the best ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take a confidential mental health test to help promote prevention, early identification, and intervention.

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