We Work to Eliminate Suicide in VT

OUR MISSION

To create health-promoting communities, in which people have the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and resources to reduce the risk of suicide in VT

PLEASE NOTE: The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center is not a Crisis Center and is not staffed off-hours, Fridays, or weekends. If you are in crisis and need help, click on the Find Help button below to find crisis lines and other sources of help.

Resources for Suicide Survivors:

Vermont Resource Packet

The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Vermont Department of Health, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health collaborated and created a "Survivors of Suicide VT Resource Packet" which includes both local and national resources, including local support groups.

TAKE ACTION

PLEASE help support our Umatter programs by giving to our Global Giving Accelerator crowdfunding campaign.

Help make a difference! Your support is greatly appreciated. Donate below.

Learn More About Suicide Prevention Through These Informative Articles

Understanding Suicide - Learn more

Veterans and Suicide - Learn more

Survivors of Suicide - Vermont Resources Packet - Learn more

Survivors of Suicide and Those Exposed to Suicide - Learn more

Crisis Text Line - Learn more

Zero Suicide: Transitions in Care - Learn more

PLEASE help support our Umatter programs by giving to our Global Giving Accelerator crowdfunding campaign.

Help make a difference! Your support is greatly appreciated. Donate HERE.

Volunteer or Internship Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunity:

Are you looking for meaningful volunteer work? Are you a student needing a community service opportunity? The Center for Health and Learning and the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center are seeking a volunteer resource to assist our non-profit in various office tasks which support our mission-driven work. We have a need for clerical assistance, filing, data entry, and assistance preparing for our many trainings and events that we carry out throughout the year. If this kind of work interests you, please contact us at info@HealthAndLearning .org

Internship Opportunities:

If you are a student looking for an internship, we would be interested in hearing from you. We may have an opportunity that meets your needs and assists us in carrying out our work. We would be particularly interested in students who are in the field of public health, school health, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion - or someone that could assist us with online learning and other technology initiatives. If you would like to learn more about potential internship opportunities at the Center for Health and Learning and the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center, please contact us at info@HealthAndLearning.org

CHL is Looking for Talent

Center for Health and Learning is in need of program staff and consultants to further their mission.

Find out more below.

Program Specialist
Exciting full time career opportunity with the Center for Health and Learning (CHL) for someone with a passion for working with healthcare education and community providers, and across sectors, to plan and carryout programmatic initiatives related to mental health promotion, suicide and substance use and misuse prevention. Read more »
Marketing and Communications Support
CHL seeks to contract with one or more professionals and/or organizations to provide direction and support in communicating, marketing, and promoting CHL’s mission, services, fundraising efforts, and brand, both visual and written. Read more »

Research from past disease outbreaks and studies of other humanitarian crises suggest that people may become more vulnerable to self-harming and suicidal behaviors during these times. Extended disruptions in the lives of individuals, families and communities can impact mental health.

Not all impacts are negative, but many are. People are more likely to experience loss, anxiety and depression; the painful impacts of unemployment and financial stress. The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont has compiled a helpful tip sheet which identifies important resources in VT for caring for self and others and for help-seeking during these times.

Download the resource sheet: https://bit.ly/3cEcZkH

A message on COVID-19 / Moving Forward, Some Things Remain Constant

Suicide Safer Care Initiatives

According to the Association for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Vermont. On average in Vermont, every three days one person dies by suicide. Nationwide, suicide deaths are on the rise, with the rate of men dying by suicide rising the fastest. With this in mind, it is important to increase awareness of suicide prevention strategies that are available.

Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting Held on World Suicide Prevention Day

Thank you all for your continued engagement in the Coalition. Seventeen people attended the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition (VTSPC) meeting that was held virtually on September 10, 2020, World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide Prevention Among School-aged Youth

As we all know September is back to school month and whether students are returning to school, learning remotely or a combination of both, it is important to pay special attention to their mental health needs. In addition to the day to day stress felt by youth and young adults (YYAs) due to current events, they may have feelings of isolation due to lack of social involvement. YYAs today are faced with a multitude of factors that can influence their mental health. The sudden unexpected changes in the world around them can cause stress, anxiety or cause current mental health

Vermont Awarded $3.8 Million Grant For Suicide Prevention

Governor Phil Scott announced on September 10, 2020 that Vermont has received $3.8 million in federal funding for suicide prevention. The five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will support the implementation and evaluation of the state’s comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention in Vermont. The announcement coincided with the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium attracted over 320 participants

The Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium: Bringing Resilience into Focus held August 18 attracted over 320 participants from various backgrounds including healthcare, social services, mental health, community-based organizations, state agencies, policy makers and people with lived experience.

Special June Coalition Meeting Held with Department of Mental Health, Focused on Prevention

Thirty one Coalition members gathered at our quarterly meeting and engaged in rich discussion about the future goals and strategies for suicide prevention efforts in Vermont.