Suicide Prevention: Information and Resources

Go to Howard Center’s Suicide Prevention Downloadable Resources


You are not alone.

As one of the top ten leading causes of death in Vermont, suicide touches the lives of many Vermonters every year. Unexpected death can have significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. It is important to remember that you are not alone. There is hope and suicide is preventable. We are here to offer support, resources, and assistance.

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, getting help is key. See our resources below to learn about warning signs, risk factors, and where to go for support.

Our First Call for Chittenden County line is a 24/7 resource available to individuals and families. Call us at 802-488-7777.


Howard Center’s Suicide Prevention Resources

View our Suicide Safe Care Training (Youtube)

Free Firearm Cable Locks 

Firearm Safety Can Save Lives!

Howard Center is offering free firearm cable locks to anyone who needs them. Safe firearm storage can save lives by putting time and distance between a person in crisis and lethal means. This is important because in Vermont, 56% of suicide deaths are caused by firearms. Furthermore, only 49% of Vermont households with firearms store them locked and unloaded.

The locks are available at Howard Center’s Burlington office (directly across from the south-end City Market) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

208 Flynn Avenue

Burlington, VT

Phone: (802) 488-6912

Email: DevelopmentTeam@howardcenter.org

Supplies can be limited, so it’s always best to call in advance to check availability at 802-488-6912.

For more information about firearm safety, temporary Firearm Storage Locations, firearm safety lock pickup locations in other counties, and more, please visit gunsafevt.org.

Firearm Safety Resources

Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan (Third Edition)

English | French | Nepali (नेपाली) | Somali (Soomaali) | Swahili (Kiswahili)

Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan

Our staff and clinicians have developed this guide* to provide general information on suicide prevention to anyone living or working in Chittenden County, Vermont. To request copies of the Howard Center publication “Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan,” please call 802-488-6000 or download a copy by clicking the image to the left.

*This guide is not intended as an alternative to medical care. Please consult your physician for appropriate medical care.

 

Suicide Prevention Flyer

English | Swahili (Kiswahili) | Somali (Soomaali) | Nepali (नेपाली) | Kirundi (Ikirundi) | French (Français) | Arabic (العربية)

This flyer contains information about suicide prevention, warning signs, and when to take action. View or print the flyer to display in your school, workplace, gym, or other locations (as permitted).

Suicide Postvention Resources

In collaboration with the Center for Health and Learning, we also have resources available for businesses following a suicide or unexpected death impacting their employees and workplace (also known as postvention). Postvention offers support and facilitates healing and recovery after a tragedy. Postvention is also a critical piece of suicide prevention. The way we respond to suicide can impact those needing help and can help prevent others from dying by suicide.


Suicide Hotlines and Crisis Information:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988

Veteran’s Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1, OR text 838255

Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741, and you will be connected with a live, trained counselor quickly.

The Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ Crisis Lifeline: 1-866-488-7368

First Call for Chittenden County, call 802-488-7777


Additional Resources and Publications

Howard Center

GunSafe VT
Tips for Families and Teens after Tragedy
Suicide Signs & Symptoms
Suicide Risk and Prevention for All Ages: What You Need to Know 
The Opposite of Suicide is Connection
Suicide Does Not Discriminate
How to Talk About Suicide 
Suicide Prevention: It’s Up to All of Us

Vermont

Suicide Data-Linkage Project: 2020-2021 Data Analysis, Vermont Department of Health (September 2023)
Suicide Prevention – Vermont Department of Health
Vermont Suicide Prevention Center – Survivors of Suicide Resources

National

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Find a Support Group
After a Loved One Dies – How Children Grieve
After a Suicide – Toolkit for Schools 2018
Dougy Center
Facing Suicide – Resources for Veterans
A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide
Help Prevent Suicide – SAMSA
Helping Children and Teens Cope with Death
Suicide Language – Suicide Prevention Alliance
Suicide Loss Survival 
Survivors of Suicide Loss
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Trans Lifeline
What Is Suicide Postvention? | Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors