Suicide Prevention Community Toolkit
The Kim Foundation and numerous community partners have gathered useful education and resources that we hope blanket Nebraska in order to provide hope, help and tools to save lives from suicide. Please share these tools with your colleagues, students, clients, family, supporters and friends.
More Tomorrows
The More Tomorrows campaign highlights suicide prevention information including warning signs, risk factors and what to do if you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one. More Tomorrows works to empower people with information and hope, ensuring each of our community members will see “more tomorrows.”
988 Resources
Beginning on July 16, 2022, 988 became the new three-digit dialing code connecting people to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support is available for anyone experiencing mental health related-distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Nebraska Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan 2022-2025
In partnership with Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health and the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition, we developed a comprehensive document to serve as a roadmap for Nebraska through 2025 in all aspects of suicide prevention.
We developed the plan in a manner for every Nebraskan to access it, find the information they are looking for and implement it in their lives or community — based on focus groups and survey responses gathered across the state.
Prevention & Early Intervention Trainings
The following is not an exclusive list, but rather some recommendations on behavioral health programs and resources to help avoid the need for a higher level of care down the road.
- QPR
- Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM)
- Hope Squad
- Signs of Suicide Program (SOS)
- Zero Suicide
- The Collaborative and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
- Prepare Training
- The Jason Foundation
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- National Training & Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Sample Social Media Posts
Click to download any of the following images.
Post #1: Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. In fact, offering an opportunity to talk about feelings may reduce the risk of acting on suicidal feelings. Learn how to approach the conversation at MoreTomorrowsNE.org.
Post #2: Most people either talk about death or dying or show warning signs to indicate that they are thinking of suicide. Learn some common phrases and warning signs at MoreTomorrowsNE.org.
Post #3: Many people who are suicidal don’t want to die, but they don’t see another way out of their pain. Learn what local and national resources are available to support you or a loved one at MoreTomorrowsNE.org.
Post #4: 988 is a free, confidential lifeline that anyone can call 24/7, whether you’re concerned about yourself or others. First you’ll hear a message saying that you have reached the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The language defaults to English with the option to choose Spanish. You will then be asked if you’d like to connect to the veterans crisis line if you or the person you’re concerned about is a military veteran or a current service member. Past that point, your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center. A skilled, trained crisis counselor will listen to you and tell you about services that are available in your area. There is no risk in reaching out to this lifeline — please don’t hesitate to call.
Post #5: There’s something you can do right now to help save lives: update your language about suicide. “Committed suicide” implies a criminal act, and it may cause those who are feeling suicidal to believe that they will get in trouble if they reach out for help. Alternate phrases include “took their own life” or “died by suicide.” Also, avoid referring to an “unsuccessful” or “failed” suicide attempt. Instead, say “attempted suicide.” Never say “successful death” or “successful suicide.” Visit thekimfoundation.org/conversation-language-and-reporting for more tips.
Post #6: We may cross paths — either in person or online — with people who seem to be down. Here are a few conversation starters that may give them hope on a dark day. It’s important to listen without judgment and know what help is available if they disclose they’re struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide. Learn about local and national resources, in addition to the 988 lifeline, at MoreTomorrowsNE.org.
Post #7: Whether it’s your neighbor, your quiet coworker or your outgoing friend, you never know who may be experiencing mental health concerns or struggling with thoughts of suicide. Make an effort to check in with them and ask how they’re doing. If you sense things are not going well, MoreTomorrowsNE.org has tips for what to say, how to create a safety plan if needed, and local and national resources for further help.
Post #8: A person experiencing a mental health crisis can’t always clearly communicate their thoughts, needs or emotions. It’s important to empathize and connect with the person’s feelings, stay calm and try to de-escalate the crisis. If you or the person is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 911 and explain the situation.
Need support now?
If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Suicide is preventable. Lives can be saved. But it will take each and every one of us working together, acknowledging the role we can play in suicide prevention, and taking care of each other.
Questions on the toolkit? Please reach out to The Kim Foundation at 402-891-6911 or info@thekimfoundation.org.