TALLAHASSEE –On Sept. 29, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) highlighted the state's robust mental health resources in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, recognized in September, presents an opportunity to emphasize the vital role we all play in suicide prevention by building awareness, learning and sharing the risk factors and warning signs, promoting resiliency, decreasing stigmas, and sharing available resources.

In 2024, there were 11,655 emergency department visits due to self-harm related injuries and 3,591 individuals died by suicide, making suicide a leading cause of death in Florida. These numbers underscore the urgency of continued investment in prevention, education, and community-based care.

In June 2025, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 116, which supports veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mental health conditions and not just emergency intervention. The 988 Florida Lifeline received 167,502 calls in Fiscal Year 2025-2026, ranking Florida fifth in the nation, with 96 percent of the calls being resolved without need for higher-level intervention. 1,466 calls were made to the 988 Florida Lifeline during a suicide attempt in progress, with each individual making it to the next level of care alive.

“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.”

“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.”

"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 the month, the Department convened state and community partners to reinforce critical supports for Floridians. Highlights include:

 Florida Children and Families Summit

At the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit, the Department hosted nearly 3,000 professionals and stakeholders across its system of care. The summit held more than 70 workshops with important focus on elevating youth voice and lived experience, and further integrating mental-health supports into child welfare practice.

Attendees wear purple at the 2026 Children and Families Summit in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, showing their commitment to raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts. [Photo courtesy DCF]

Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council

The Department’s Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council includes 31 representatives from state agencies, regional suicide prevention coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals committed to advancing prevention. The Council meets quarterly to review current data, best practices, emerging research, and community behavioral health resources to guide the development of effective statewide strategies.

The Council’s quarterly meeting, held on September 24th, focused on Florida’s suicide-prevention data and trends, targeted outreach for populations at greater risk, expanding awareness of the 988 Florida Lifeline, and the importance of listening to Floridians and using data to guide our work.

Attendees wear purple at the 2026 Children and Families Summit in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, showing their commitment to raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts. [Photo courtesy DCF]

Florida Children and Youth Cabinet

In partnership with the Florida Department of Education, the Department concluded Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with a Florida Children and Youth Cabinet meeting centered on youth suicide prevention, mental health resources, and connecting young people with help before a crisis occurs.

Florida Children and Youth Cabinet members convened at the Florida Department of Education to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. [Photo courtesy DCF]

For help, call 988, available 24/7, to be connected with a mental health professional. The 988 Florida Lifeline is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages. For more information and resources, visit MyFLFamilies.com/SuicidePrevention and 988FloridaLifeline.com.