You’re Not Alone. Suicide is Preventable. Time & Space can SAVE a Life.

Our communities are full of protectors- family, friends, and neighbors who look out for one another and offer a helping hand when they see someone in need. These small actions have a huge impact. Asking someone how they’re doing or lending a listening ear can make all the difference in someone’s day. We are the connectors and the trusted messengers, having conversations and sharing information on a daily basis that impact our community. It makes sense then that research shows we are more likely to seek out resources and follow recommendations that were shared by a friend.

That knowledge is at the heart of We Are The Ones Who Partner to Protect. We all care about the safety of our friends and family and often find ourselves having those important conversations. If we notice that someone isn’t acting like themselves or seems to be going through a challenging time, we can help keep them safe. Time and space are the best ways we can protect ourselves and others in those moments of crisis where our brains are too overloaded to recognize all the options we have. We are the ones who we can spread this awareness, who share how we can take proper care of our own firearms, and who encourage our loved ones to create that time and space between someone experiencing extreme stress and a lethal tool that can save a life.

We’re calling on the protectors to look out for one another. Will you Partner to Protect?

Resources:

There are many resources available to help start conversations about safety, learn about the many options of temporary storage, and how to support someone who may be struggling.

Out-of-Home Storage Map

What are some reasons why gun owners may want to store firearms away from the home?

They are traveling out of state and want to keep firearms secure while they are away
A child or adolescent in the home is in crisis and at risk for suicide
Their grandkids are visiting for a week
They are divorcing and arguments with their spouse are getting heated
A family member is experiencing mental health or substance use concerns
They are listing their home for sale and want firearms to be secure while showings occur

Gun owners can lead the way on safety. The National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends temporary off-site storage for firearms when you are concerned about a loved one.

Out-of-home gun storage can be especially helpful to persons in crisis at risk for suicide. In partnership with Pierce’s Pledge, the map lists businesses that are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage in Colorado and across the United States. This information was collected in Spring 2024.”

Gun Storage map: from the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition

WATOPTP Toolkit Link

Monthly Awareness Programs:

January is Self-Love Month

February is Low Vision Awareness Month or National Cancer Prevention Month

March is Disability Awareness Month or Self-Injury Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month

June is Immigrant Heritage Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

August is Don’t Be a Bully Month

October is Sober October

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Add in the Mental Health Awareness Month info

September 20th – Montrose’s 1st Annual Walk For Hope

We Are The Ones Who Talk About Suicide

Each September, communities across the country unite to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. It’s a time to remind ourselves and others that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that hope and healing are always possible. At TCHNetwork, We Are The Ones working to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and ensure that people in our rural communities know they are not alone and that resources are available.

This month is also about honoring the courage it takes to reach out for support—whether for yourself or for someone you care about. Together, We Are The Ones who can help create a culture where mental health is prioritized, conversations are safe, and support is accessible to everyone. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is not just about awareness—it’s about action, compassion, and connection. And most importantly, it’s about reminding each other that We Are The Ones Who Talk About Suicide—and by talking, we help save lives.

Walk for Hope

Our local Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Recovery Coalition (SPARC) is proud to announce the dates for this year’s Walks for Hope! We are so excited to bring the WFH magic to Montrose this September.

Join us on Friday, September 20th in Montrose Rotary Park and on Sunday, September 28th in Telluride Town Park for a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month gathering. Browse local resource tables, enjoy generously donated free coffee & donuts, listen to local speakers share messages of hope, and craft your poster signs for the Awareness Walk!

This gathering is a chance for friends, families, and neighbors to stand together, break the stigma, and share a message of healing and resilience.

By joining us, you help shine a light on the importance of connection, compassion, and community in preventing suicide. Together, we can spread the message that hope lives here.

Montrose

Telluride

You’re Invited: Talk Saves Lives

Join us this September for Talk Saves Lives, an introduction to suicide prevention hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Tri-County Health Network. This educational program covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight this leading cause of death.

📅 Virtual Session: Tuesday, September 10th

📅 In-Person Session: Tuesday, September 24th at the CTC Shed in Telluride

Both sessions are free and open to the community. Together, we’ll learn how to recognize the warning signs, engage in safe conversations, and support those who may be struggling.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of this important conversation—because talk truly saves lives.

LEARN MORE

San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions Grant

The San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions Grant is now open, offering funding to support innovative projects that address behavioral health needs in San Miguel County. This grant is designed to empower local organizations, agencies, and community groups to create and expand programs that improve access to mental health resources, reduce stigma, and strengthen community wellbeing.

Through the Solutions Grant, we aim to foster collaboration and invest in creative, community-driven initiatives that make a lasting impact. Previous projects funded through this grant have supported expanded behavioral health services, youth engagement programs, and efforts to build resilience and connection within the community.

By supporting local solutions, the San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions Grant helps advance a healthier, more connected San Miguel County.

Local Leaders Proclaim September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

This September, cities and counties across our region are joining communities nationwide in recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. By issuing formal proclamations, local leaders are taking an important step in raising awareness, breaking stigma, and affirming their commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our residents.

Suicide continues to be a leading cause of preventable death, and its impact is felt deeply in rural communities like ours. These proclamations serve as a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, and that no one has to struggle alone. They also highlight the importance of collective action—when communities, organizations, and leaders work together, we can create stronger networks of support for those in need.

Throughout the month, Tri-County Health Network and community partners will share resources, host events, and provide education to ensure that every person knows help is available. Together, we can foster a culture of compassion and connection and remind one another that every life matters.

Events during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month:

Shine a Light on Mental Health:
Entire Month of May, everywhere!

Tri-County Health Network is shining a light on Mental Health Awareness in our communities during the month of May. As the official color for mental health awareness, green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. We are asking businesses, organizations and governments to light up their building with green lights! Contact us for more information.

San Miguel, Montrose, Ouray, Delta, Gunnison & Hinsdale Counties

Be Seen In Green!:
Wednesday, May 7, All Day, everywhere!

Wear Green! This May, you’re not just wearing a color, you’re shining a light of hope and support on mental health for millions.

Breaking Bread and Boundaries – Education: Thursday, May 8, 5:30-7:00 pm, in Delta

Join us at the Delta County Library on May 8th at 5:30pm for shared meals and discussion focused on transforming outdated systems and envisioning better alternatives regarding education.

Delta Public Library Conference Room, 124 E 6th Street in Delta.

Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Recovery Coalition Meeting:
Tuesday, May 13, 2:30 pm, on Zoom

Join our behavioral health roundtables to learn more about ways to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month!

Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Recovery Coalition (SPARC) Meeting May 13th, 2:30pm on Zoom. For more information, email j.hurst@tchnetwork.org.

San Miguel Behavioral Health Collaborative: Thursday, May 15, 3:30 pm, in Telluride

Agenda: San Miguel Behavioral Health Panel Share Out, Grant Schaefer from Soulful Recovery Presenting on Programs, Roundtable Discussion

Miramonte Room @ 333 West Colorado Ave Second Floor Telluride, CO 81435

Community Conversations – Know Your Rights: Tuesday, May 27, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, in Telluride

Join us at Ah Haa School for The Arts on Tuesday, May 27th from 11:30am – 1pm for a Community Conversations Events on Know Your Rights training. Lunch and interpretation services are provided.

Ah Haa School for The Arts is located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue in Telluride.

Be Seen in Green:
May 16

In addition to participating in our “Light Up for May” challenge, Tri-County Health Network encourages individuals and our communities to join us in showing support for mental health by participating in our “Be Seen in Green” challenge. It’s more than just a fashion statement; it’s a call to action, a symbol of solidarity, and a testament to the collective power of communities coming together in support of mental health.

May as You Can:
Entire Month of May, in Telluride

This May, make some time for art at Ah Haa School for The Arts! With their May as You Can, you are able to pay what is affordable and still participate in one of their awesome classes.

Located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue in Telluride. For more information call 970.728.3886.

Explore more Suicide Prevention Awareness resources:

Check out these toolkits for social media posts, conversation tips, and more ways to get involved this month!” and then have links to: