{"id":23862,"date":"2026-09-10T08:16:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:16:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pillarscommunityhealth.org\/?p=23862"},"modified":"2026-09-09T16:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T21:49:10","slug":"pillars-community-health-highlights-local-crisis-support-during-suicide-prevention-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pillarscommunityhealth.org\/es\/pillars-community-health-highlights-local-crisis-support-during-suicide-prevention-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Pillars Community Health Highlights Local Crisis Support During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

LA GRANGE, Ill. \u2014 September 10, 2026<\/span><\/b> \u2014 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2014or concerned about someone else\u2014can call <\/span>708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747)<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSometimes people\u00a0hesitate to call because they are unsure whether their feelings or situation is “serious” enough or what will happen once they share it,\u201d said Margaret Espinoza, LCPC, Vice President of Open Access at Pillars Community Health. \u201cI want to encourage our community to reach out\u00a0because\u00a0we all need someone sometimes.\u00a0Our crisis team\u00a0listens with compassion, is knowledgeable in local resources and can be the first step in\u00a0connecting you\u00a0or your beloved\u00a0for\u00a0support services.”\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s location, PCH can help connect them with the appropriate resource.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If someone may be considering suicide:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n