September is a month of reflection, awareness, and hope. It marks both National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and National Recovery Month–two observances that shine a light on struggles often carried in silence. Together, they remind us that mental health and recovery are deeply connected, that every life matters, and that healing is possible. This month calls us to break the stigma, extend support, and honor the courage of those who continue their journey toward wellness and recovery.

The statistics are sobering. Suicide imposes profound and far-reaching consequences, touching not only individuals but families, communities, and entire societies. According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year–one life every 43 seconds.

In the United States, suicide claimed over 49,000 lives in 2023, with one death every 11 minutes. That same year, 12.8 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, while also ranking among the top eight causes of death for adults up to age 64. For every loss, the ripple effects extend to survivors–families, classmates, colleagues, and communities–who are left with complicated grief and long-term emotional pain.

Substance use disorders greatly heighten these risks. Research shows that individuals with alcohol use disorder are nearly six times more likely to die by suicide, while those struggling with combined alcohol, drug, and tobacco dependence face an 11-fold increase. Opioids are involved in roughly one in five suicide deaths, and alcohol is present in more than 20% of cases.

Among adolescents, illicit drug use multiplies the risk–heroin users face up to 12 times greater odds of attempting suicide. Heavy drinking alone carries a five-fold increase in risk compared to social drinking. These realities underscore how substance use and mental health are deeply intertwined, often creating cycles of despair that require both compassion and intervention.

Prevention and intervention save lives. Early access to evidence-based treatment, crisis hotlines, peer support, and recovery programs can significantly reduce suicide risk.

Research indicates that people receiving care for substance use disorders are up to 50% less likely to attempt suicide than those without access to treatment. Prevention strategies–from school-based mental health education to reducing access to lethal means–have proven to lower suicide rates.

Community awareness campaigns, trauma-informed care, and efforts to break stigma surrounding both addiction and mental illness also strengthen resilience. When communities invest in prevention and timely intervention, the results are powerful: fewer lives lost, stronger recoveries, and healthier futures.

As September comes to a close, let us carry forward its message. Healing is possible, recovery is real, and every life has value. By breaking the silence, extending compassion, and supporting prevention and recovery, we can create a future where fewer lives are lost and more are reclaimed. Together, we can replace stigma with understanding, isolation with connection, and despair with hope.

WRAP Seeks Sponsors for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WRAP is seeking community support across Lincoln, Lyon, Yellow Medicine, and Redwood Counties to honor survivors, remember those lost to domestic violence, and raise awareness through impactful programming this October. The goal is to raise $8,000 to cover the costs of three Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2025 events.

Sponsorship opportunities include helping distribute and sell purple porch lights as a visible symbol of awareness, supporting the Purple Thursday Live Event and Online Auction, and choosing from three tailored DVAM sponsorship packages. Businesses, organizations, and community members are invited to partner in this important effort.

Together, your support can shine a light in the darkness, create space for healing, and remind survivors in our rural region that they are not alone.

For more details, visit WRAP’s website at www.letswrap.com or call our office to learn how you can get involved.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, available 24/7. For substance use support, call the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to be connected with treatment and recovery resources.

You are not alone–support is just a call or click away.

— Becci ten Bensel is executive director of WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs