Florida Department of Children and Families highlights statewide suicide prevention resources and partnerships during September awareness month

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Children and Families highlighted the state’s suicide prevention resources and partnerships during September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, pointing to the importance of early support, community connections and access to mental health care.

The department used the month to emphasize that suicide prevention is not limited to moments of crisis. Officials said awareness, education, recognition of warning signs and stronger connections between people and available services can all play a role in prevention.

The need for those efforts remains significant in Florida. In 2024, the state recorded 11,655 emergency department visits related to self-harm injuries. During the same year, 3,591 people died by suicide, making suicide one of the leading causes of death in Florida.

Those figures have helped drive continued attention toward prevention programs and community-based mental health services. State officials say the goal is to make sure Floridians know where to turn before a situation becomes an emergency, while also providing support to people already experiencing a crisis.

“Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one agency or one community, but it belongs to all of us,” said Interim Secretary Kathryn Williams. “This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we renew our commitment to supporting Floridians before, during, and after a crisis. Every conversation, every connection, and every resource shared can help save a life. Together, we can build a culture of support, connection, and hope.”

One of the state’s key resources is the 988 Florida Lifeline, which provides access to mental health professionals around the clock. During Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the service received 167,502 calls, placing Florida fifth nationally in call volume.

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According to DCF, 96 percent of those calls were resolved without the need for higher-level intervention. The figures also include 1,466 calls made while a suicide attempt was in progress. In each of those cases, the person involved reached the next level of care alive.

The state has also taken steps to expand prevention efforts for veterans. In June 2025, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 116, legislation that supports veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs beyond emergency intervention. The measure includes early recognition of mental health conditions as part of the prevention approach.

State health officials also used Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to remind residents that mental health should be treated with the same attention given to physical health.

“Mental health deserves care and attention, just like physical health. I encourage Floridians to seek help when they need it and to support those around them,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Resources are available across Florida, and no one should feel they have to face these challenges alone.”

The Agency for Health Care Administration also highlighted the role of support available through Florida Medicaid and other health care services. Officials stressed that reaching out for assistance should be viewed as a step toward getting help rather than as a sign of weakness.

“No matter what you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone. At the Agency for Health Care Administration, we want every Floridian to know that help is close by, whether that is a trusted friend, a call to 988, or a mental health provider covered through Florida Medicaid,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun L. Harris. “Reaching out is not weakness. It is one of the strongest things you can do, and we will keep working to make sure that support is there for you when you need it.”

Throughout September, DCF also brought together state agencies, community organizations and other partners to discuss prevention and strengthen the network of services available to Floridians.

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One major gathering was the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit. Nearly 3,000 professionals and stakeholders from across the state’s system of care attended the event. More than 70 workshops were held, with a focus that included elevating youth voices and lived experiences.

Mental health support within the child welfare system was another important area of discussion. The summit placed additional attention on ways to integrate mental health services into child welfare practices, recognizing that young people and families may need support from multiple parts of the system.

The state’s Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council also remains part of Florida’s broader prevention efforts. The council includes 31 representatives from state agencies, regional suicide prevention coalitions, nonprofit organizations and individuals working to advance suicide prevention.

The council meets every three months to examine current information and discuss ways to improve prevention strategies. Its work includes reviewing suicide data, best practices, emerging research and community behavioral health resources.

During its September 24 meeting, the council examined suicide prevention data and trends in Florida. Members also discussed targeted outreach for populations facing higher risks, increasing awareness of the 988 Florida Lifeline and the importance of listening to Floridians when developing prevention strategies.

Using data is a key part of that work. Officials said information about suicide trends and the experiences of communities can help shape programs and determine where additional attention may be needed.

Youth prevention was another focus as the month came to a close. In partnership with the Florida Department of Education, DCF concluded Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with a meeting of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

The meeting focused on youth suicide prevention, mental health resources and connecting young people with help before they reach a crisis point. The emphasis on early connections reflects the state’s broader approach of encouraging people to seek support before problems become emergencies.

For Floridians who need immediate emotional or mental health support, the 988 Florida Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can call 988 to connect with a mental health professional. The service is free and confidential and is available in multiple languages.

The department’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month activities were intended to reinforce a simple message: help is available, and people do not have to face serious emotional or mental health challenges by themselves.

Residents looking for additional information can find suicide prevention resources through the Florida Department of Children and Families and the 988 Florida Lifeline. The state continues to encourage Floridians to recognize warning signs, start conversations, support people around them and make use of professional resources when they are needed.