No Matter What Number You Call,
There is “No Wrong Door” in CT
If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, call/text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime at 988 or call the CT crisis line 2-1-1
For adults in crisis (ages 18+): Dial 211 and press 1 for crisis, then 2 for adults
For youth in crisis: Dial 211 and press 1 for crisis, then 1 for youth
You can also contact the crisis line by texting TALK to 741741.
South-Central Regional Suicide Advisory Board
Our mission is to integrate prevention, intervention, and response activities across multiple sectors and communities to reduce suicide attempts and suicide deaths in the New Haven & Middlesex counties.
We have six RSAB meetings throughout the year to collaboratively:
Identify ways to increase mental health awareness
Expand educational opportunities
Launch innovative, evidence-based strategies to address behavioral health needs
The South-Central RSAB includes representatives from schools, healthcare, local prevention councils, media, businesses, law enforcement and individuals with lived experience, including suicide attempt and loss survivors.
Our mission aligns with the broader vision of the statewide CT Suicide Advisory Board and establishes local & regional frameworks to facilitate these activities.
No matter your expertise or experience, all are welcome! If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, click here to join our Suicide Advisory Board.
2026 Meeting Schedule
All meetings are from 10:30AM-12PM via Teams, with the exception of 2 biannual in-person meetings in April and October.
Tuesday, February 3rd at 10:30AM-12PM
Tuesday, April 7th, location and time TBD
Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:30AM-12PM
Tuesday, August 4th at 10:30AM-12PM
Tuesday, October 6th, location and time TBD
Tuesday, December 1st at 10:30AM-12PM
To join our upcoming meetings, please email Taylor Gainey at tgainey@bhcare.org.
Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB)
Mission: The CTSAB is a network of diverse advocates, educators and leaders concerned with addressing the problem of suicide with a focus on prevention, intervention, and health and wellness promotion.
Vision: The CTSAB seeks to eliminate suicide by instilling hope across the lifespan.
The Connecticut State Suicide Prevention Plan 2025 (PLAN 2025) is a living, working document, designed to frame, organize, prioritize, and direct established and emerging suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention response efforts throughout the state through 2025. PLAN 2025 was developed through the ongoing efforts of an expanding group of professionals, those with lived experience of suicide loss, and those with lived experience of suicide attempts.
PLAN 2026 is currently being developed and will be available soon!
To learn more about CTSAB, visit https://www.preventsuicidect.org/
Intervention
A Unique Suicide Risk Assessment Tool
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assess the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support that the person needs.
The first step is to ask. The Columbia Lighthouse Project used research and real-world experience to determine the right questions to ask to identify people of all ages at risk for suicide. This screener is designed for use around the world for research, communities and healthcare, and families, friends, and neighbors.
Watch the 60 min. C-SSRS training video here.
Postvention (Post-Crisis)
We’ve done a lot in CT over the years to educate the press on how to safely report on suicide death so as to not contribute toward the risk of contagion by sensationalizing or glamorizing suicide. In the event you hear from press, here’s the guidance to share with them. Additionally, please ask that they include the following resources at the end of their articles:
“If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, please call 988 or 211 in CT or text the Crisis Text Line: CT to 741741, and in an Emergency Call or Text 911.” (https://reportingonsuicide.org)
Click the link for more information>> CTSAB Public Health Alert & CALL TO ACTION
>> SUICIDIO JUVENIL ALERTA DE SALUD PÚBLICA DE CT: UN LLAMADO A LA ACCIÓN (Español)
Group-based peer support is for individuals living with suicidal thoughts and/or have made a previous suicide attempt. Both groups provide a space to openly share experiences, create opportunities to build community, find hope and heal.
NAMI Connecticut Out of the Abyss
When: Every Second and Fourth Wednesday
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Ives Main Library; Phillip Marett Seminar Room
133 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510
Contact: Grace at ggrinnell@namict.org.
Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su)
When: Every Monday via Zoom
Time: 3:30 PM - 5 PM
Contact: Advocacy Unlimited at info@advocacyunlimited.org.
Virtual Suicide Loss Support Group
Led by trained loss facilitators, the Suicide Loss Support Group is open to anyone aged 18 and over who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group is a safe place to talk openly about suicide loss with trained facilitators as well as people who share similar experiences.
For more information and to register please contact: gillian@myfriendabby.org or toddfellegy@gmail.com. Once registered the Zoom information will be shared.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the month
Time: 7 PM-8:30 PM via Zoom
Group-based Peer Support Groups
Signage Expansion Project
Help us expand awareness of the availability of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by placing signage throughout your communities.
A recent Harris Poll found that while 63% of adults have heard of the 988 Lifeline only 33% are familiar with the 988 Lifeline.
Signage options include:
CT Specific Metal signs designed for roadways, train tracks, overpasses, bridges & parking garages.
Vibrant Metal signs designed for shopping plazas, college campuses, walk ways, town parks, etc.
Lawn signs for less permanent placement on town greens, schools, intersections, pop up events, etc.
To inquire about obtaining free signage for your organization or to place throughout your community please complete the following form and we will follow up with next steps. Hope Signage Partner Interest Form
Click any of the images above to download and share among your networks.
