Our professional staff and clinicians have developed a suicide prevention guide with general information about suicide prevention. 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.
Howard Center Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan
Workplace Considerations After a Suicide or Other Unexpected Death
Media Guide: Workplace Considerations After a Suicide or Other Unexpected Death
After a Suicide: Postvention Steps Quick Guide
Information about Suicide
Suicide is preventable. It does, however touch the lives of many Vermonters every year. In fact, while suicide has been increasing nationally over the past ten years, Vermont’s suicide rate is higher than the national average.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time, getting help is key. Know what can put someone at risk of suicide, recognize the warning signs and reach out to get help before and during a crisis.
Suicide is the eighth-leading cause of death in Vermont. It’s the 10th-leading cause nationally.
- Guns are used in approximately 59 percent of Vermont’s suicide deaths – higher than the 51 percent rate nationally.
- Vermont’s suicide rate was 18.9 per 100,000 people in 2016. That’s significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 13.9 per 100,000.
- Males are four times more likely than females to die by suicide in Vermont.
- In the 10-14 age group, Vermont’s suicide rate is lower than the nation’s but higher in every other age category.
- From 2012-2016, the suicide rate for Vermonters aged 70 to 74 was 25 per 100,000 people; the national rate for that age group was 15 per 100,000.
So, what can we do?
Suicide Hotlines and Crisis Information:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988.
If you are a Veteran, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
Crisis Text Line by texting VT to 741741, and you will be connected with a live, trained counselor quickly.
Trevor Lifeline: LGBTQ Crisis Lifeline: 1-866-488-7368
First Call for Chittenden County at 802-488-7777.
Resources
Our professional staff and clinicians have developed a suicide prevention guide with general information
about suicide prevention. Our goal is to provide information for individuals and their families, parents and caregivers, community members, educators, and medical providers who live and/or work in Chittenden County, Vermont. This publication offers insight and resources and helps answer some of the questions we all have about suicide prevention.
View or download Media Guide: Workplace Considerations After a Suicide or Other Unexpected Death
- View or download After a Suicide: Postvention Steps Quick Guide
This guide is not intended as an alternative to medical care. Please consult your physician for appropriate medical care.
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.
We also understand that an untimely or unexpected death can have significant impact on individuals, families and communities. You are not alone. We are here to offer support, resources and assistance. Our First Call for Chittenden County line is a 24/7 resource available to all individuals and families 802-488-7777.
National Resources and Publications:
Dougy Center
Survivors of Suicide Loss
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Suicide Loss
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Find a Support Group
A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide
After a Loved One Dies – How Children Grieve
After a Suicide – Toolkit for Schools 2018
Helping Children and Teens Cope with Death
Vermont Suicide Prevention Center – Survivors of Suicide Resources
Suicide Loss Survival
Howard Center Resources:
Tips for Families and Teens after Tragedy
Howard Center Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan
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