September observances highlight the importance of connection, early intervention, treatment and hope
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — This September, Frontier Health joins communities across the nation in recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, two observances united by a message of hope: help is available, people can heal, and recovery is possible.
Mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorders can affect individuals and families from every background. Too often, stigma, fear, or uncertainty about where to turn can keep people from seeking help. Throughout September, Frontier Health is encouraging community members to learn the signs that someone may be struggling, start conversations about mental health and substance use, and become familiar with resources available before a situation reaches a crisis.
Suicide remains a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024. During the same year, an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan, and 2.2 million attempted suicide.
While those numbers demonstrate the importance of continued prevention efforts, suicide is preventable. Connection to family and community, access to health care and treatment, and support during difficult periods can serve as important protective factors. Recognizing changes in behavior, taking expressions of hopelessness or suicide seriously, and reaching out to someone who may be struggling can make a difference.
September is also National Recovery Month, an observance that recognizes the millions of people living in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges while highlighting the treatment, services, and community supports that make recovery possible.
Recovery does not look the same for everyone. It can begin with asking for help, entering treatment, connecting with a peer, or rebuilding relationships and stability one day at a time. Recovery Month also recognizes the families, behavioral health professionals, peer recovery specialists and community partners who support people throughout that journey.
For Frontier Health, suicide prevention and recovery are closely connected. Both require communities where people feel safe asking for help, where behavioral health conditions are treated without judgment and where individuals know that experiencing a difficult moment does not mean they are without options or hope.
“Hope begins with knowing that help is available,” said Sherri Feathers, Senior Vice President of Tennessee Specialty Services at Frontier Health. “Suicide prevention and recovery both depend on people feeling safe enough to reach out, ask for support, and connect with care. We want our community to know that no matter how difficult things may seem, Frontier Health has resources, treatment options, and people who care. Recovery is possible, and no one has to face a crisis alone.” – Sherri Feathers, Sr VP ofTN Specialty Services
Frontier Health provides a continuum of behavioral health services throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including mental health and substance use treatment, crisis services, recovery supports and other programs designed to meet individuals where they are and help them move toward greater stability and well-being.
For individuals experiencing an immediate mental health or substance use crisis, help is available around the clock. The Frontier Health Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-928-9062. Individuals can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
Frontier Health’s Turning Point provides 24-hour emergency behavioral health services at 208 E. Unaka Ave. in Johnson City. Individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis can walk in at any time to speak with trained professionals and receive support.
This September, Frontier Health encourages everyone to take part in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month by checking in with friends and loved ones, learning about available resources and helping create communities where seeking behavioral health care is treated with the same importance as seeking care for physical health.
A conversation can be a first step. Treatment can change a life. Recovery is possible, and no one has to face a crisis alone.