HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Jason Foundation, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in youth and young adult suicide awareness and prevention, proudly recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, individuals and organizations nationwide draw attention to suicide as a public health issue and advocate for its prevention. In 2023, almost 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for middle and high school-aged youth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks behavioral trends among young people through its Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. The 2023 report, the most recent available, captures two-year changes in the behaviors and experiences of high school students nationwide and focuses on factors tied to the leading causes of death among young people. Its findings point to serious concerns about the mental health of our nation’s youth.

In 2023:

• 39.7% of high school students reported experiencing “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness”
• 20.4% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide
• 9.5% of high school students attempted suicide one or more times

Open conversations about suicide and suicidal thoughts can help save lives by making it easier for people to seek support. Suicide Prevention Month offers an opportunity to honor those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and strengthen prevention efforts. People are encouraged to check in with anyone affected by suicide and to help connect those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts to professional counselors and treatment services.

The Jason Foundation offers numerous ways to get involved. To learn more, visit its website and click the “How to Get Involved” tab. The site also includes a dedicated Suicide Prevention Month section, including a toolkit showing you how to get involved this September.

About the Organization

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting the “Silent Epidemic” of youth and young adult suicide through educational programs for students, parents, educators, and members of the community. Since its founding, JFI has never charged a school, family, or community for its programs or materials. For more information, or to find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, visit JasonFoundation.com.

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SOURCE The Jason Foundation, Inc.