Return to Headlines

National Suicide Awareness Prevention efforts supported locally in September

(09/20/2024) Supporting the mental health needs of Anoka-Hennepin’s employees is a key action step during September, which is designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month across the nation.

It’s okay not to be okay and there are many ways to get the help you or a colleague needs.

As a school district community that has adopted the theme of “It takes all of us”, together we can increase awareness, identify risk factors early, and provide collaborative support. When someone is struggling with their mental health, there is hope and help.

Schools provide a system of support for students including caring adults, teachers, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, student achievement advisors, school nurses and others to support the mental health needs of students.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of hurting themselves, get help immediately.

Key things to remember when helping a friend or colleague who is struggling with their mental health:

  • If someone has confided in you they are thinking about self-harm or suicide, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them until you can access help for them.
  • Ask who their support people are and whether you can help them make a call to someone to ask for help.
  • Consider utilizing one of the county mobile crisis teams for help if there is immediate risk
  • Remind your friend/ colleague about Medica Optum

See these resources for how to access help:

  • Help is also available 24 hours a day by calling or texting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or on the Crisis Text Line by texting MN to 741741.
  • Mobile crisis services (phone and/ or in-person support)
    • For Anoka County Mobile Crisis Response Service, call 763-755-3801. The call is free. Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
    • For Hennepin County Mobile Crisis, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, call
      • Children (up to 18): 612-348-2233
      • Adults (18+): 612-596-1223

If there is an immediate mental health crisis where someone’s safety is at risk, call 911 and ask for an officer trained in mental health.

Anoka-Hennepin’s employee assistance program by Optum is free of cost for all district employees. Staff can call the completely confidential service at 1-800-626-7944 any time of day or night, seven days a week, to speak with an Optum employee assistance program specialist.

The program offers access to:

  • Five counseling sessions per year, with 100 percent of costs covered.
  • Legal and mediation service assistance.
  • Financial advisor support.
  • Childcare referral support as well as support for elderly parents.
  • Community resources like support groups.
  • Help with dependency issues.
  • Education resources and career counseling.


For more information, view the employee assistance program brochure.