Today, September 10th, communities around the globe observe World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding us that mental health challenges can touch anyone, at any time. This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” calls on us to break the silence and encourage open conversations, ensuring that help is available when people need it most.

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 700,000 lives lost each year. In the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to talk openly about mental health can save lives.

Mental Health Challenges in Pinellas County

In Florida, suicide remains a significant public health concern, with approximately 3,446 deaths reported in 2022, equating to a rate of 14.1 per 100,000 residents. In Pinellas County, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death, accounting for 9% of all injury-related fatalities. These numbers are more than statistics; they represent friends, neighbors, classmates, and loved ones.

Access to mental health care is critical. Many individuals in Pinellas County and across the country face barriers, such as cost, lack of providers, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Studies show that less than half of adults with mental health needs receive proper care and nearly 70% of children cannot find appropriate treatment. Recent data indicates that one in five youth in the area will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Additionally, 45% of residents identified behavioral health as a leading health concern, with over one-third of Indigenous adults reporting unmet mental health needs.

The reality is clear: mental health challenges do not discriminate. Instead, they affect people across all ages, races, and backgrounds. And yet, too many still struggle in silence. By increasing awareness and promoting local mental health resources, communities can reduce suicide risk and provide life-saving support.

Why Pinellas County Residents Should Utilize Care About Me

Raising awareness is only the first step on World Suicide Prevention Day. We also need to ensure that people have clear, actionable pathways to care. Awareness without access can leave residents feeling unsupported. That’s where Care About Me makes a difference.

Care About Me was created with Pinellas County residents in mind. It is designed to eliminate the confusion and barriers that often come with seeking mental health, substance use or addiction treatment services. Instead of struggling to figure out where to go, residents can connect directly with trained specialists who listen, assess individual needs, and provide personalized referrals to local providers. They even make the appointment for you.

The impact has already been significant. In 2025 alone, Care About Me served nearly 1,000 Pinellas County residents, including almost 200 students, highlighting its growing role as a trusted resource in our community. For families, this means access to support for children and teens groups, particularly those vulnerable to the pressures of today’s world. For adults, it means a lifeline when stress, financial strain, substance use, addiction, or mental health challenges begin to feel too heavy to carry alone.

Care About Me is more than just a referral service; it’s a confidential, compassionate connection point. By offering a safe space to reach out without judgment, the program helps reduce stigma, which remains one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help. By connecting Pinellas County residents with care, Care About Me helps prevent crises before they escalate and ensures that no one in Pinellas County has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

Taking Action This World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about taking action, both big and small, to create a community where mental health, substance use and addiction are supported and lives are saved. Here in Pinellas County, that starts with each of us.

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Participating in local events, attending awareness walks, volunteering your time, or even sharing resources online are all powerful ways to spread hope. Most importantly, it can be as simple as starting a conversation. Reaching out to a friend, coworker, or family member who you suspect might be struggling can open the door to support. One conversation can change or even save someone’s life.

If you or someone you care about needs mental health support, substance use care, or addiction treatment services, Care About Me is here for you. This free, confidential program was explicitly created for Pinellas County residents to take the guesswork out of finding help. Trained specialists are ready to listen, provide guidance, and connect you with the right resources, whether that’s counseling, addiction treatment, or other behavioral health services.

Here’s how to get started:

• Call or text “CARE” to 1-888-431-1998
• Visit careaboutme.org/residents for more information.
• Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday & legal holidays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s take the opportunity to show up for one another. By breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and using programs like Care About Me, we can build a stronger, healthier Pinellas County where no one has to face mental health, substance use, or addiction challenges alone.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need emotional support, please call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.