September 29, 2026
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and local TV and radio stations across the country are using their trusted voices and deep community connections to raise awareness, share stories of hope and direct viewers and listeners to lifesaving resources. From highlighting the warning signs of suicide to sharing the experiences of veterans, farmers and families affected by loss, broadcasters are helping communities have important conversations about mental health.
Audacy’s WBEN in Buffalo, N.Y., spoke with local mental health professionals about recognizing when someone may be struggling and how friends and family can help.
Jessica Pirro of Crisis Services encouraged listeners not only to check in with loved ones during difficult periods, but to keep checking in as circumstances change. Erie County Mental Health Commissioner Sarah Bonk also explained that conversations about suicide can be difficult but emphasized the importance of being direct and compassionate when someone may be at risk.
WBEN also connected listeners with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support.
Nexstar Media Group’s KHON2 is using its local platform to bring attention to suicide prevention and mental health resources for Hawaii residents during September. The station’s coverage continues an important role local broadcasters play around the country, bringing trusted health information into viewers’ homes and connecting people with organizations and resources in their own communities.
Gray Local Media’s WTOC in Savannah, Ga., turned to local mental health professionals to help viewers recognize warning signs and understand where to find support. The station spoke with Stephen Safer of Memorial Health’s Behavioral Health Services about behavioral changes that can signal someone is struggling, the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and ways people can support their overall well-being.
In Missouri, Scripps News’ KSHB 41 shared the story of Foster Huggins, who transformed the loss of his best friend to suicide into a growing prevention movement called “Your Life Is Worth Living.” By sharing his deeply personal story, KSHB helped bring a message of hope to viewers and demonstrated how one person’s experience can spark conversations that reach thousands of others.
Morris Multimedia station WXXV News 25 in Gulfport, Miss., covered a “Stand the Watch” ceremony that brought veterans and community members together to remember those lost to suicide and raise awareness about mental health challenges facing veterans. WXXV used its coverage to ensure veterans and their families knew where they could turn for support, sharing information about the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press one or text 838255 for confidential assistance.
KASU Public Radio in Jonesboro, Ark., focused on a community whose mental health challenges can sometimes remain out of sight, farmers and agricultural workers. The station spoke with Mandy Young, agricultural mental health outreach training director with Tailgate Time, about the pressures farmers face, including unpredictable weather, changing commodity prices and financial uncertainty. By bringing attention to the particular challenges facing agricultural communities, the station helped make an often difficult subject part of the conversation in the rural communities it serves.
Suicide prevention starts with connection: recognizing when someone is struggling, starting a conversation and making sure people know where they can turn for help.
Local broadcasters are uniquely positioned to make those connections. Their journalists and personalities are part of the communities they serve, and audiences turn to them every day for information they know and trust. During Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the year, local radio and television stations use that relationship to elevate community voices, share critical public health information and connect people with resources that can save lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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