The statistics are alarming. Suicide is the twelfth leading cause of death in the United States, causing the death of almost 46,000 Americans in 2020. One person dies by suicide every 12 seconds. And while overall suicides decreased during the pandemic, several states have reported an increase in adolescent suicide.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, each week Tuesday Newsday will present some aspect of this important and difficult topic. This week we highlight a powerful personal essay entitled “Remembering A Friend During Suicide Prevention Month” by Assistant Executive Director Peg Morrison. In this blog post, Peg shares her journey with a kind, talented friend named Ryan who died by suicide in 2016. To read this moving account, please click here.