BISMARCK, N.D. – This September, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging communities across the state to strengthen connection, compassion and support as we recognize Suicide Prevention Month. Reach out, start a conversation and remind someone they are not alone. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and help create communities where every North Dakotan feels supported and connected.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has proclaimed September 2026 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in North Dakota, recognizing the importance of prevention, intervention, recovery and postvention efforts and emphasizing the role individuals, families and communities can play in preventing suicide. The proclamation also encourages North Dakotans to recognize warning signs, offer compassionate support and connect people to resources.
In the first six months of 2026, the North Dakota 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline received 10,683 contacts — including calls, texts and chats — compared with 7,305 during the same period in 2025, a 46% increase.
Since its launch in 2022, 988 has provided North Dakotans with access to trained crisis counselors when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental health or substance use crisis, emotional distress or concerns about a loved one. The growing number of contacts highlights the importance of accessible crisis support and reminding North Dakotans that help is available.
While more North Dakotans are connecting with help, suicide continues to have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities. According to North Dakota Vital Records, 162 North Dakotans died by suicide in 2025.
“Increasing connection, teaching life skills and fostering hope can strengthen communities and reduce the risk of suicide,” said Melissa Markegard, HHS suicide prevention administrator. “When people feel valued, supported and less alone, it can make a difference in their overall well-being. Each of us has a role to play by reaching out, listening and helping connect someone to support when they need it.”
How to support someone who may be struggling
Suicide prevention can happen anywhere people live, work, learn and gather. HHS encourages North Dakotans to:
- Start a conversation. If you are concerned about someone, reach out and let them know you care. Listen without judgment and give them an opportunity to talk about what they are experiencing.
- Know the warning signs. Changes in behavior, increased isolation, hopelessness or talking about death or suicide may be signs someone needs additional support. When something feels different, trust your concern and check in.
- Connect to help. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and can also be contacted when you are concerned about someone else.
- Strengthen connections. Supportive relationships with family, friends, schools, workplaces and communities can help people feel connected and supported.
- Support youth connection. Parents, caregivers and other trusted adults can find conversation starters, resources and practical tools to help strengthen relationships and support youth mental well-being through Parents Lead at parentslead.org.
- Use practical tools. The Parents Lead Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit provides schools with evidence-based prevention strategies, tools to recognize warning signs, guidance for connecting students and families with support and resources for responding following a suicide death.
- Learn more. North Dakotans can learn more about suicide prevention trainings, educational materials and other resources through HHS at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention/suicide.
Support and resources in North Dakota Help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors for yourself or someone you are concerned about. North Dakotans can also find behavioral health services, including regional clinics and resources for youth, veterans and tribal communities, through the North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services. Suicide prevention resources, including warning signs, safety planning, resources for schools and families, suicide loss support and training opportunities, are available at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention/suicide.