National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day is a dedicated day to raise awareness about suicide within the law enforcement community, focusing on mental health support, breaking stigma, and preventing officer suicides. This important observance aims to highlight the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement professionals and provide resources for those struggling.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 26th annually
- Tagged as: Mental Health Awareness, Law Enforcement Support
- Hashtag: #LEOSuicideAwareness
- Founded: 2020
- Founded by: Blue H.E.L.P. (Honor, Educate, Lead, Prevent)
History
Blue H.E.L.P. created this day to recognize the critical issue of suicide among law enforcement officers. The organization aims to acknowledge the service of officers lost to suicide, raise awareness, and remind officers and their families that help is available.
Timeline
- 2020: Blue H.E.L.P. establishes National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day
- Ongoing: Continued efforts to reduce stigma and provide mental health support
Dates for Next Years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 26 | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 26 | Tuesday |
How to Observe
- Participate in awareness walks
- Share information on social media
- Wear a support ribbon
- Learn suicide prevention warning signs
- Support local law enforcement mental health initiatives
Fun Facts
- More law enforcement officers die by suicide each year than in the line of duty
- Police officers witness an average of 188 critical incidents during their career
- Officers are five times more likely to experience PTSD than civilians
Quiz
- When was National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day founded?
- Answer: 2020
- What organization created this day?
- Answer: Blue H.E.L.P.
FAQs
Q: Why is this day important?
A: To raise awareness about mental health challenges in law enforcement and prevent suicide.
Q: How can I support law enforcement officers?
A: Listen without judgment, learn warning signs, and promote mental health resources.
Importance
This day is crucial for:
- Breaking mental health stigma
- Providing support for officers
- Preventing suicide
- Honoring those lost
- Promoting wellness in law enforcement
Related Observances
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- First Responders Day
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month