Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month

Henderson County has partnered with the Hope Coalition to launch a series of community events and strategies to reduce harm in September for National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month.

The initiative, named "Safe September," seeks to raise awareness of suicide and overdose prevention. It also strives to increase understanding of substance use disorders and celebrate those who have made the journey of recovery.

Residents can attend several events planned throughout the month, which are designed to educate and equip the community with tools to act.

"Prevention is a community effort," said Henderson County Health Director David Jenkins. "Our partnership with the Hope Coalition and our focus on strategies to reduce harm during Safe September show our commitment to equipping our community with resources and knowledge to save lives."

Safe September events

Several discussions, trainings and other events are planned throughout the month:

• Sept. 9, 6 p.m.: Republican Men’s Club, The Buzz, 225 S Grove St.
• Sept. 12, 10 a.m.: Mills River Life Enrichment Center, Mills River United Methodist Church, 137 Old Turnpike Rd.
• Sept. 12, 12 p.m.: Kiwanis Club, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. West
• Sept. 13, 2 p.m.: QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop (September workshop full)
• Sept. 17, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Beyond Labels Recovery Event, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. West
• Sept. 19, 6 p.m.: Rhythm and Brews, Downtown Hendersonville
• Sept. 24, 12 p.m.: Rotary Club of Hendersonville, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. West

At each event, attendees can pick up free gun locks, medication lock pouches and Narcan. These resources are part of a strategy to reduce harm by limiting access to lethal means and providing immediate tools for overdose intervention.

“We are committed toward strategies that reduce harm as a key component of suicide and overdose prevention,” said Hope Coalition Director Julie Huneycutt. “By giving gun locks and medication lock pouches to the community we can reduce the risk of suicide by limiting common means to self-harm. Handing out Narcan ensures people are equipped to respond to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives.”

The Henderson County Partnership for Health will host a "Beyond the Labels" event on Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. This panel discussion will focus on overcoming the stigma of substance use and celebrating recovery. The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

A QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training will be held at the Henderson County Department of Public Health. This 90-minute workshop, led by a certified QPR trainer, will teach practical strategies to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide.

The Sept. 13 QPR workshop is full. Another session is set for Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Register for free online at www.hendersoncountync.gov/health or call (828) 694-6038.

In addition to these efforts, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners have proclaimed September as National Recovery Month, National Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.

For more information on Safe September events and other resources contact (828) 694-6038.