NAMI El Paso Holds Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Prevention

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) El Paso will host a candlelight vigil Thursday, September 24, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Memorial Park Reserve Shelter to honor those lost to suicide and promote prevention awareness, according to KVIA.

The event aligns with NAMI's national Suicide Prevention Month theme: "Start a Conversation. Be the Difference." According to NAMI El Paso, the vigil will feature personal stories, a time for reflection, and a candle lighting ceremony to remember loved ones. Local mental health resources will also be available.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control identifies suicide as the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 in the United States. Additionally, 5.5% of U.S. adults experience serious thoughts of suicide each year, according to KVIA's reporting.

The event is free and open to the community. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health concerns can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24/7. Three out of four people who have contacted 988 report receiving the help they needed.

For additional support and resources, the NAMI HelpLine operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mountain Time at 800-950-6264. People can also text "NAMI" to 62640 for assistance.