LA GRANGE, Ill. — September 10, 2026 — During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Pillars Community Health (PCH) is encouraging community members to recognize when someone may be struggling, reach out with compassion, and know where to turn for immediate support.
Suicide remains a serious public health concern affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48,824 people died by suicide in the United States in 2024. That same year, an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan, and 2.2 million attempted suicide.
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a community. PCH provides 24/7 crisis support throughout western and southwestern suburban Cook County. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis—or concerned about someone else—can call 708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747).
“Sometimes people hesitate to call because they are unsure whether their feelings or situation is “serious” enough or what will happen once they share it,” said Margaret Espinoza, LCPC, Vice President of Open Access at Pillars Community Health. “I want to encourage our community to reach out because we all need someone sometimes. Our crisis team listens with compassion, is knowledgeable in local resources and can be the first step in connecting you or your beloved for support services.”
Individuals do not have to wait until a situation becomes life-threatening to reach out. People can call 708-6-CRISIS when they or someone they know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress or another mental health crisis. Family members, friends, educators, first responders, and other concerned community members may also call for guidance.
Depending on the situation, members of the PCH crisis team can provide support by phone, connect the caller with appropriate resources or coordinate an in-person mobile crisis response. If another crisis provider serves the caller’s location, PCH can help connect them with the appropriate resource.
Warning signs that someone may be at risk for suicide can include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless; withdrawing from others; experiencing extreme mood changes; increasing alcohol or substance use; giving away important possessions; or looking for a way to end their life. These signs should be taken especially seriously when they are new, increasing, or connected to a painful event, loss, or major change.
If someone may be considering suicide:
- Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not put the idea in someone’s mind.
- Listen without judgment or minimizing what they are experiencing.
- Take any mention of suicide seriously.
- Help reduce access to firearms, medications, or other potentially lethal means when it is safe to do so.
- Connect the person with professional support and continue checking in.
“Suicide prevention begins with connection,” Espinoza said. “Noticing a change, asking a direct question and staying with someone while connecting them to support can make a meaningful difference. No one should have to navigate a crisis alone.”
PCH has provided crisis intervention services to local communities since 1976. In July 2026, the organization introduced the easier-to-remember 708-6-CRISIS number and expanded its crisis services into additional communities in suburban Cook County.
For local crisis support, call Pillars Community Health at 708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747). The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone in the United States may also call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.
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Sobre Pillars Community Health
Pillars Community Health is a nonprofit provider of health and social services committed to improving the health of the communities it serves and empowering individuals through compassionate, whole-person care. Services include medical and dental care, behavioral health and substance use disorder services, domestic and sexual violence services, crisis support, benefits assistance, care coordination and community-based programs. To learn more, visit PillarsCommunityHealth.org.
Media Contact:
Stefin Steberl, CFRE
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Pillars Community Health
SSteberl@PCHCares.org
708-995-3894