September Is Suicide Awareness Month—But the Mission Doesn't End There

By Kat Johnson, Chairwoman of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies

Each year, September is marked as Suicide Awareness Month—a time when headlines, hashtags, and heart-wrenching statistics flood our feeds. For those of us in the veteran community, one number hits hardest: 22 veterans a day. That’s not a misprint. That’s a crisis. And it’s not just a September problem—it’s a daily reality.

At OWRL, we believe awareness is the first step. But community is the real lifeline.

13 Minutes Can Save a Life

We’ve learned through both research and experience that 13 minutes is all it takes. That short window of connection—just a few intentional moments—can anchor someone who is feeling untethered, alone, or on the brink.

Maybe it’s a phone call. Maybe it’s standing side by side at a Silent Watch. Maybe it’s showing up at a race, a remembrance event, or a wreath-laying ceremony and simply saying, “I see you. You matter. You’re not alone.”

If we all gave just 13 minutes of our day to check in, to listen, to be present—imagine the difference we could make.

Events That Build Awareness and Community

This September, we’re proud to be part of several initiatives that shine a light on veteran suicide while creating moments of connection and healing. REVS22, Dillon’s Race & Half Murph, Silent Watch, and others serve dual purposes: raising awareness and building community. They are not just fundraisers or social outings—they’re lifelines. Touchpoints. Anchors.

When we stand together in those moments, we aren’t just honoring the fallen. We’re strengthening the living.

And if you can’t attend in person, support from afar matters too—sharing an event, tagging a veteran friend, making a donation, or volunteering behind the scenes all contribute to the mission.

Suicide Doesn’t End When the Calendar Turns

It’s easy for September to pass with a wave of awareness and then fade into the background as October rolls in. But for veterans and their families, this doesn’t end when the calendar flips.

The epidemic of suicide doesn’t check out after Suicide Awareness Month. And neither can we.

What September gives us is momentum—new resources, conversations, training, and touchpoints that we must carry into the rest of the year. This month reminds us to equip ourselves and our communities with tools that can be used year-round: mental health support, peer mentorship, emergency contacts, and events that foster connection.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything—Just Something

If you’re wondering how to help, start small. Give 13 minutes. Check in on someone. Attend one event. Forward a post. Comment. Donate. Volunteer. Be present. Every small act creates ripples. Every ripple matters.

And if you’re reading this and struggling yourself—know this: You are seen. You are needed. You are not alone. We stand with you. Always.

This September, we remember. We reach out. We rally. But most of all, we recommit—to show up every month of the year, because 22 a day is 22 too many.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988.