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Suicide Cluster Toolkit

Suicide is a tragedy, leaving a devastating impact on families, friends and loved ones. When multiple suicides or attempts happen together, called a suicide cluster, it’s important for schools, workplaces and communities to respond quickly. Together, we can help individuals deal with loss, navigate trauma and find resources to prevent more suicides from happening.

How to Use this Toolkit

This outreach toolkit is designed to answer questions about suicide clusters, help individuals dealing with grief and promote the 988 Lifeline to help prevent further loss. You’ll find resources for strategic communication on a community or organizational level, along with messages for the public.

Social Media Assets

Share these social media posts to encourage community members and survivors of suicide loss to find help and support.

Losing Someone to Suicide is Devastating

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Losing someone to suicide is devastating. And grief feels different for everyone. The best thing you can do? Talk about it. Call, text or chat 988 for support, and find local grief support groups:

 https://www.sdsuicideprevention.org/survivors/suicide-loss

Talking About Suicide Doesn't Cause it

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Talking about suicide doesn’t cause it. In fact, sharing stories of hope and healing from suicide actually helps us get through this crisis. If you’re concerned about a loved one or know someone affected by suicide loss, reach out and let them know you’re here to help.

One Way Through A Traumatic Event - That's Together

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There’s one way through a traumatic suicide event – and that’s together. If you’re having suicidal thoughts or living with grief from a loss, you’re never alone. Call, text or chat 988, and find other resources at https://sdsuicideprevention.org/get-help/ thinking-about-suicide/. Remember – you belong here.

Safety Planning Guide 

For individuals living with depression or navigating suicidal thoughts, safety plans are effective ways to cope and get help. By identifying warning signs, coping strategies and more, we can help prevent more suicides from happening. Download this template for your school or organizations to share with individuals who might benefit from a safety plan.

Community Outreach Materials

These materials can help you communicate in the event of a suicide cluster with talking points, partnership ideas, facts and play-by-play tips for assemblies and educational gatherings.

Press Release 

This press release can be shared with news outlets to bring awareness to a suicide cluster and raise awareness for resources and help.

Email Template

This email content can be used and adapted to share with students, parents, coworkers and anyone else affected by a suicide cluster.

Printed Materials 

Organizations, schools and employers can order affirmation cards, stickers, posters, temporary tattoos and more from SD Behavioral Health.