Suicide Prevention and Education
Suicide is the leading cause of violent death in Arkansas. In 2023, 615 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 that they are in crisis. 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 responsible for 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 501-537-6745.
Arkansas Lifeline Call Center
The Arkansas Department of Health operates the Arkansas Lifeline Call Center (accredited by the International Council for Helplines), which is part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 hotline is for all Arkansans, in any area of the state. The goal is to connect callers with a trained fellow Arkansas resident on the other end of the line who is ready to assist their neighbors in need. 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
- AR Community Mental Health Center Directory
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas Chapter
- North Central Arkansas Veteran’s Outreach
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- 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
Reports:
- 2026 Rural Arkansas Men Fact Sheet
- 2020 – 2023 Suicide in Arkansas Fact Sheet
- 2023 All Suicide Death Rate Map
- 2023 Veteran Suicide Death Rate Map
- 2023 All Suicide Death Rates – Demographic Table
- 2022 Arkansas Suicide Death Rate Map
- 2022 Veteran Suicide Death Rate Map
- 2022 All Suicide Death Rates- AR Residents Demographic Table
- 2023 Arkansas Annual Suicide Reports
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
Contact Information
Substance Misuse & Injury Prevention
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 10
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-537-6745
Fax: 501-682-0427
[email protected]