Omaha, Neb. - Each September, survivors, organizations and advocates celebrate Suicide Prevention Month while highlighting initiatives that raise awareness around saving lives from suicide. This September, The Kim Foundation joins forces with community partners to engage the Greater Omaha area and encourage everyone to learn what role they can play in suicide prevention.

Suicide Prevention Month started September 1. Suicide Prevention Week is this week, September 4-10. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. The community can participate in several ways, including:

• Chalk Art Messages: The Kim Foundation will host Chalk it Up for More Tomorrows during Suicide Prevention Week. The goal is to blanket the community with hopeful sidewalk chalk messages throughout each neighborhood and business in the Omaha Metro Area. Community members are encouraged to gather their kids, friends, neighbors and co-workers and decorate their driveways, sidewalks or parking lots with sidewalk chalk art that brings a little hope and inspiration to someone who may need it. Participants can also share on social media using #ChalkItUpForMTNE or submit a photo of their chalk piece(s) with their name to info@thekimfoundation.org for a chance to win prizes. For more information on the event and how to get involved, visit The Kim Foundation’s website: thekimfoundation.org/chalk-it-up-for-more-tomorrows/.
• Community Presentations And Trainings: The Kim Foundation is also conducting more than 50 presentations and trainings in the community during the month of September on suicide prevention, healthy coping skills, mental wellness and community resources. These presentations are offered at no cost in numerous classrooms, businesses and community organizations. For more information on coordinating a presentation with your group, please reach out to Sadie Hinkel, The Kim Foundation's Outreach Coordinator at 402-891-6911.
• Making A Difference: Additionally, each community member has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. You never know what someone may be experiencing or whether they are too scared or feel too alone to reach out for help. The Kim Foundation challenges everyone to offer a smile to a stranger; say a kind word to someone you may be passing by; or ask someone how they are doing and truly listen to their answer. Don't just move on to the next task on your list. By being more aware of your surroundings and who around you may be feeling down or not themselves, you have the power to prevent potential suicides or mental health crises in our community.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: #BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. If you or someone you know is struggling with any mental health crisis, please contact 988 to talk to a trained crisis counselor today.

Since 2001, The Kim Foundation has worked to increase awareness around mental health and suicide prevention in Nebaska, serving as a communication and connection link between individuals, organizations and communities. Local data and national best practices inform our legislative advocacy, awareness campaigns and free programming to support suicide loss survivors and educate anyone who is interested in helping others. Each of us plays an important role in this effort — find resources and get involved at thekimfoundation.org