Suicide Prevention

is everyone's responsibility

In February 2018, Broward County experienced the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, an event that deeply shocked and reshaped our community. That year alone, Broward County recorded 264 suicides, an increase of 17.6% in just one year. In February 2019, two MSD students attempted to take their lives and a third died by suicide, believed to be directly related to the tragedy the year prior. Acutely aware of the potential for a suicide cluster, behavioral health leaders and city officials came together to address the urgent needs of our community.

To align services and strengthen prevention efforts, the Coalition on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention convened key community stakeholders alongside a consultant from the American Association of Suicidology to conduct a psychological autopsy of Broward County. Through this process, a comprehensive needs assessment and a Community-wide Suicide Prevention Plan were developed.

While many suicide prevention initiatives exist and various data sources track levels of suicidality, the Broward Suicide Prevention Coalition uniquely convenes stakeholders across sectors to work toward a shared goal of reaching a Zero Suicide Initiative in Broward County. Established in 2019, the Coalition brings together representatives from approximately 50 local agencies including mental health providers, law enforcement, education leaders, hospitals, and the business community. The coalition’s purpose is to align, inform, and coordinate suicide prevention efforts across the county to strengthen systems, empower partnerships, and reduce duplication of services.

United Way Broward plays a critical role in this work by hosting the Coalition on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention, which focuses on behavioral health and substance misuse prevention. Through this coalition, residents are connected to vital resources including 211 Broward, a 24/7 crisis hotline and referral network that provides immediate support for individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. These connections help link suicide prevention efforts with broader community action teams, increase awareness of risk factors, and encourage community engagement including youth-focused prevention strategies.

United Way Broward also promotes “It’s OK to Not Be OK” suicide awareness materials, which encourage individuals to seek support while offering guidance on crisis intervention and available support groups.

Support for veterans is another critical component of this work. While not exclusively labeled as a suicide prevention program, United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED initiative helps connect veterans to services through 211 Broward, including crisis support resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans can access the dedicated Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online to connect directly with responders trained in military culture and veteran-specific concerns. Because veterans face increased suicide risk due to service-related stressors, ensuring access to specialized support and crisis resources remains a vital part of Broward’s prevention strategy.

Purple Packet

Purple Packet (in Creole)

Purple Packet (in Spanish)

Have you lost a loved one to suicide?

For Support, Information & Resources, connect with the Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team link by clicking here or call 954.746.2055 X134 or LOSS@mhasefl.org.

Suicide Prevention Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free and confidential support for emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse/mental health crisis and Veterans crisis for you or your loved ones.

211 Non Emergency Helpline
24/7 Crisis Hotline and referral network that can connect residents to immediate help for suicide prevention, emotional distress, mental health support, and other crisis needs.

Available around the clock by phone, text, or online chat
Trained Professionals that provide confidential crisis support and referrals
Immediate connection to local services
Multilingual assistance available