September 4, 2025
September Is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month
The New
Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is
one of many organizations country-wide recognizing September as both National
Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. According to the 2023
United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), close to 17% of
Americans 12 years and older battled a substance use order while according to
the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there were an estimated 1.5
million suicide attempts in 2023.
These
numbers are magnified by the New Jersey Department of Children and Family’s
Youth Suicide Brief, which shows that suicide was the third-leading cause of
death amongst youth in the Garden State. In addition, male youth suicide rates
were three times higher in New Jersey than females.
“With
this month being National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month, it is an opportune
time to reinforce the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare services and vital
importance of ensuring timely access to them. NJAMHAA continues to work
hand-in-hand with our member organizations, and remain steadfast in our mission
to advocate for the highest-quality mental health and substance use treatment
services for the residents of New Jersey,” said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D.,
President and CEO of NJAMHAA.
“These
observances serve as reminders of the necessity of continued, unwavering
support for accessible, compassionate mental health care for individuals
experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially our youth and
providing strength for those in recovery,” Dr. Wentz added.
In
NJAMHAA’s most recent advocacy campaign, “Untold Stories: Why Access to Care
Must Be the Highest Priority,” multiple brave people come forward to tell their
stories of their battles with substance abuse along with suicidal thoughts and
how important it is for there to be services for people who need help in the
most trying of times.
“It
is of the utmost importance that the community knows that even in the darkest
of times, there are options of care and support systems available, whenever
they are needed,” Dr. Wentz said. “By highlighting the year-round work that our
member agencies do, we as a community, can continue to offer the best support
to those who are the most in need.”
