Suicide Prevention and Education

Suicide is the leading cause of violent death in Arkansas. In 2021, 617 Arkansans died by suicide. Not every journey is easy; for some, it may be difficult to talk about their feelings, thoughts about suicide, or how to get help. By working together to recognize the signs, raise awareness of suicide and open the conversation with each other, you can make a difference and save Arkansans’ lives. 

Most people who are suicidal give some warning signs indicating they are in crisis. To learn more about these warning signs. Identifying these warning signs is the first step in getting them the help they need.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has been designated by the Arkansas General Assembly as the state agency in charge of suicide prevention efforts in Arkansas. Learn more information on suicide prevention educational programs promoted/implemented by the Arkansas Department of Health.

ADH offers a variety of suicide prevention trainings available to the public. If interested, or if you would like more information, please call 501-671-1612. 

Arkansas Lifeline Call Center

The Arkansas Department of Health operates the Arkansas Lifeline Call Center, which is a part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is answered in-state from area codes 501, 870, & 479 to better serve Arkansans with resources in their community 24/7. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Arkansas Lifeline Center at 988. For veterans, dial 988 then Press 1.

Resources:

• Suicide Prevention Programs Promoted by ADH
• Helpful Sites
• AR Community Mental Health Center Directory
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas Chapter
• North Central Arkansas Veteran’s Resource
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• The Trevor Project
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• Camp Alliance, Inc.
• Make the Connection: Veteran’s Support Resource
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Best Practices and Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide
• Suicide Prevention

Reports:

• 2022 Arkansas Suicide Death Rate Map
• 2022 All Suicide Death Rates- AR Residents Demographic Table

Suicide Prevention Toolkit:

• Zero suicide toolkit for Medical & Behavioral Healthcare Settings
• Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention
• After A Suicide Toolkit
• Suicide Safety Planning Guide
• Suicide Safety Planning Template
• Funeral Director’s Guide to Supporting Suicide Survivors

Contact Information

Substance Misuse & Injury Prevention
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 10
Little Rock, AR  72205
Phone: 501-671-1449
Fax: 501-682-0427
ADH.injuryprevention@arkansas.gov