How to Use the Toolkit
You can use the following social media graphics in advocacy efforts to prevent suicide across the state. Include each post on your social media by clicking on the images to enlarge them, right-clicking and hitting “save as,” and then copying and pasting the captions under each graphic. Add your own link to suicide prevention resources or use the provided suggestion. Tag @LouisianaPFH in all of your suicide data posts.
Support mental health in your community. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Louisiana’s youth according to 2021 State Vital Records and CDC Wonder Data. Learn more about prevention efforts for Louisiana’s young people here: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: Learn more about 988 Lifeline in Louisiana here: https://ldh.la.gov/page/4490
Louisiana Vital Records show that 700 Louisianans lost their lives to suicide in 2022. Suicide affects people of all backgrounds and is often preventable. If you or someone you know is in need of help, call 988 anytime, for free, 24/7. Learn more about what you can do to help prevent suicide: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: Learn more about what you can do to help prevent suicide from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://sprc.org/
In 2022, over half of suicide deaths in Louisiana were due to firearms. Store and lock firearms securely to protect your loved ones. Learn more about preventing suicide here: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: Learn more about the importance of storing firearms securely here: https://besmartforkids.org/louisiana
Current and former military personnel are at higher risk for suicide attempts and suicide. Encourage military personnel and veterans to seek help through the Military Crisis Line, available 24/7. Learn more about how to support active duty and retired military members here: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: Learn more about the Military Crisis Line here: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/
There were 33,317 emergency room visits related to self-harm and suicide attempts in 2022. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 at any time of day for help. To learn more about what you can do to prevent suicide: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: If you are someone you know needs help, call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline anytime for free: https://988lifeline.org/
Nearly half of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless on the 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Teens should know that there are resources available for help. Contact 988 anytime or learn more at: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: If you are someone you know needs help, call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline anytime for free: https://988lifeline.org/
Storing firearms securely can save lives. In Louisiana, 67% of suicide deaths were caused by firearms. Reducing access to lethal means can save lives for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Learn more about what you can do to prevent suicide here: [Insert link to your resource here]
Option: Learn more about the importance of storing firearms securely here: https://besmartforkids.org/louisiana