Suicide Prevention

Who We Are?

The Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley is a group of professionals, community members, and partners with the goal of reducing the number of suicides in our area. We work collaboratively to educate others in the areas of suicide prevention, behavioral health and wellness. We strive to increase help-seeking behaviors and raise awareness about available mental health supports and resources. Our members represent schools, youth serving organizations, civic/volunteer groups, business, law enforcement, high education, local government, veterans, treatment, etc. The council is supported and facilitated by BRBH.

If you are in crisis, please call the 24/7 BRBH Crisis Hotline at 540-981-9351.

For more information about the council, contact Sheila Lythgoe at slythgoe@brbh.org or 982-1427 ext. 5117.
Available Trainings

We can all make a difference! Take a training to learn more about what you can do.

A community-based 1 hour presentation that covers the general scope of suicide,
the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.
Ages 15 years and up.

An evidence-based 3 hour workshop that examines the stigma surrounding suicide
and trains people to be “suicide alert”.
Ages 15 years and up.

An evidence-based 8 hour course that prepares participants to assist someone experiencing
mental health crisis and connecting them to help or services.
Ages 18 years and up. Adult and Youth versions available.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a 16-hour course that addresses the complexities of suicide
and teaches the skills to intervene with a person experiencing active thoughts of suicide.
Ages 18 years and up.

Training Registration
Resources

How to help someone who may be at risk. visit https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk

Are you struggling? Visit https://afsp.org/im-having-thoughts-of-suicide

Lock Meds. Lock Guns. Talk Safety. Visit Lock and Talk VA https://lockandtalk.org/

For more information
Contact Sheila at slythgoe@brbh.org to get FREE gun locks and/or medication lock boxes.
Campaigns
Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley hosts several campaigns throughout the year. Click below to learn more!
- February-Youth Mental Health Awareness Month
  
  JOIN THE SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF ROANOKE VALLEY AND BLUE RIDGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE AS WE FOCUS ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.
  
  We all can help ‘Break the Stigma’ when it comes to mental illness!
  
  We are asking the community to promote positive mental health messages and resources to ‘Break the Stigma’ and reduce suicides, especially for our youth. Fear or lack of understanding and misleading information about mental illness may lead to stigma and impact someone reaching out for help.
  
  SPEAK UP – EDUCATE – SHOW COMPASSION
  
  We are offering two different contests with cash prizes, ideas for awareness activities, a social media toolkit and resources!
  
  Group Contest ($250 PRIZE to 4 GROUPS!): This contest is a great way for any group to demonstrate their creative abilities, show why mental health is important to them and ways to ‘Break the Stigma.’ Click HERE to Register. Activity Ideas: Activities Flyer To print off the flyer with contest criteria click Group Contest Flyer
  
  Media Contest for Middle School Students ($100 PRIZE to the TOP THREE ENTRIES!): This contest is a great way for middle school youth to demonstrate their creative abilities, show why mental health is important to them and ways to ‘Break the Stigma.’ It is okay to talk about mental health and do things to take care of our mental health. To print off the flyer click Media Contest Flyer Click HERE to submit media entry.
  
  Contests and materials only open to those that live in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem City, Craig County or Botetourt County.
  
  ACCESS our Social Media Toolkit GRAPHICS and VIDEOS to share out through your own platforms and with groups of youth! Remember to tag SPCRV!
  
  988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE POSTERS & WALLET CARDS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!
  
  Limited quantities available so reach out today to Sheila Lythgoe – slythgoe@brbh.org or 540-982-1427 ext. 5117.
  
  Printable Resource Flyer: Resources Flyer
  
  Upcoming Trainings:
  
  Youth MHFA 2-12-24
  
  Register HERE
- May- Mental Health Awareness Month
  
  Check back for 2024 Campaign Information!
- September – Suicide Prevention Month
  Suicide Prevention Month
  
  September is an important time to help spread prevention awareness about suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10 to 34-year-olds and it is estimated that over 48,000 Americans died by suicide in 2019. Prevention efforts for the month focus on prevention, warning signs, and strive to reduce the stigma associated with suicide.
  
  Join the Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley (SPCRV) and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare as we focus on mental health in the month of September!
  
  We are asking local businesses/agencies around the Roanoke Valley to help promote positive mental health messaging and resources to their staff. Together we can support one another!
  We are offering a contest, ideas for activities, and helpful resources.
  
  Suicide Prevention Week 2023
  
  “None Can Do Alone What We Can Do Together”
  
  How to Get Involved
  
  Designate September 10th-16th, 2023 as Suicide Prevention Week at you place of work by promoting mental health and well-being
  
  Create and implement a mental health awareness activity (click here for activity ideas)
  
  Incorporate the theme “None can do alone what we can do together” in activities
  
  Follow SPCRV on Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram
  
  Tag @SPCRV on any posts you make on Social Media, if possible, as well as submit photos or videos for a chance to win exposure for your
  business on SPCRV’s social media via boosted posts! Please submit your photos and videos by 9/20/23. Five winners will be selected and contacted by 9/22/23
  
  Please click here to sign up if you wish to participate in Suicide Prevention Week!
  
  Upcoming Talk Saves Lives Trainings
  September 1st & 27th
  click here to register
  
  For more information please contact :
  
  Sheila Lythgoe
  slythgoe@brbh.org or
  540-982-1427 ext. 5117
  
  Like us on Facebook and Instagram @spcrv for updates

Who We Are?

Available Trainings

We can all make a difference! Take a training to learn more about what you can do.

Training Registration

Resources

Campaigns

February-Youth Mental Health Awareness Month

May- Mental Health Awareness Month

September – Suicide Prevention Month

“None Can Do Alone What We Can Do Together”

Join Us On Social Media!