Governor Stein Proclaims National Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention Week

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, suicide remains a public health crisis impacting people of all ages across all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, with approximately 1,600 individuals age 10 and older dying annually by suicide in North Carolina, making it the ninth-leading cause of death in our state and the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 40; and 

Whereas, suicide is the 11th-leading cause of death in the United States, the second-leading cause of death among children ages 10 to 14, the second-leading cause of death among adults ages 25 to 34, and the third-leading cause of death among teens and young adults ages 15 to 24; and 

Whereas, suicide and suicidal behavior have a substantial impact on North Carolina, with two hospitalizations and eight emergency department visits for self-inflicted injury for every death by suicide and with numerous family, co-workers, friends, and community members impacted by each suicidal event; and 

Whereas, there is no single cause of suicide and no single suicide prevention program or effort that will be appropriate for all people and communities; and most of the people suffering from poor mental health do not reach out for help, often out of fear of being judged or misunderstood; and

Whereas, public awareness of the warning signs and support networks, including the three-digit 988 number for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available to everyone through call or text, is essential to continue lowering the rates of suicide; and 

Whereas, North Carolinians can play a part by raising awareness to reduce the stigma around suicide that prevents individuals in need from seeking help; getting educated about mental health to foster proactive prevention in our communities; and committing to look out for others and to be aware of the warning signs that may signal a mental health crisis;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 6 – 12, 2026, as “National Suicide Prevention Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eighth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.