Suicide Prevention Month – September 2025
By Mia Cary, DVM (she, hers)
DYK? In addition to being Deaf Awareness Month, Animal Pain Awareness Month, World Alzheimer’s Month, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, Hispanic Awareness Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), and a few other designations, September is also designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In addition, World Suicide Prevention Day is recognized on September 10th.
Fred Rodgers
June 26, 1987 – October 9, 2022
To honor this important topic and my nephew Fred Rodger’s memory, I offer free, public, virtual QPR Gatekeeper suicide prevention training sessions periodically throughout the year, including on September 10.
The goal of QPR Gatekeeper Training is to prevent suicide attempts and death by suicide, and to find relief for those suffering from suicidal ideation. QPR participants become merchants of hope by being able to offer hope to those in need by paying attention, listening, and supporting.
QPR Gatekeeper Training offers the following learning objectives:
- Recognize someone at risk for suicide.
- Intervene with those at risk.
- Refer them to an appropriate source.
As a cer
tified QPR Gatekeeper instructor, I’m pleased to offer this virtual QPR suicide prevention training event on Wednesday, September 10, at 12:00pm – 1:00pm CT at no cost to you (details and reg link). You are welcome to share this invitation with friends and colleagues as well!
I hope to see you there! Note that CE credits are not provided with this event.
Additional resources follow.
AFSP – The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers many related resources.
AVMA – The AVMA also offers free virtual QPR training. Click here for details and additional AVMA mental health support resources.
PrideVMC Mental Health Support Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Veterinary Hope Foundation – The VHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals. Its mission is to create safe spaces for learning, healing, and growth within the veterinary community, with a profound focus on instilling hope. Be sure to check out the VHF website for upcoming veterinary-specific support groups.
