The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) launched the community-wide coalition in 2018. The Kalamazoo County Suicide Prevention Plan has been finalized with eight goals for reducing suicides in Kalamazoo County. SPAN is a community collaboration and everyone is invited to the table to help reduce suicides in Kalamazoo.
our vision
Our vision for Kalamazoo County is zero suicide.
our purpose
We are the agents of change who drive and monitor the Kalamazoo Suicide Prevention Plan across the county.
If You or Someone Else Needs Immediate Help
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Available 24/7 / Free / Confidential
If Someone is in immediate danger, call 911
Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs can help you act early and support someone who might be struggling.
Warning signs can appear in what someone says, how they feel, or how they behave.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Recommended services to search when having thoughts of suicide
or helping someone with thoughts
Postvention & Loss Support
Michigan’s statewide suicide prevention information, coalitions, crisis line resources, and public health prevention resources
Tools for behavioral health providers and organizations after a suicide death.
Michigan-focused suicide prevention and telemental health tools from Central Michigan University.
Training & Education
Gryphon Place provides Suicide Prevention Training that helps participants identify the warning signs of suicide, respond to someone in crisis, and connect them with available resources.
Youth & School-Based
School-based youth suicide prevention program provided by Gryphon Place that teaches middle and high school students about mental health, coping skills, recognizing signs of crisis, and seeking help.
Safe Messaging & Media Guidance
Guidance for safely and consistently communicating about 988
Best practices for public messaging about suicide prevention
Recommendations for safe media reporting on suicide
Suicide prevention communication tools for communities and organizations
Men
Mental health and suicide prevention resource designed to reach men using humor, direct language, and practical tools
Depression and suicide prevention resource designed specifically for men
Men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and social connection resources
Veterans & Military
24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans and loved ones by dialing 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online
Volunteers of America Michigan program serving veterans and active-duty members at risk of suicide in parts of southern Michigan
Guidance for military-connected postvention response
National suicide prevention resources for veterans, families, and providers
LGBTQ+ Support
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people
Peer support phone service for trans and questioning people
Support for LGBTQ+ older adults
Faith community
Faith community suicide prevention resources
Suicide prevention training and resources for faith leaders
Resources for faith communities supporting mental health and suicide prevention
Tools for faith leaders and communities supporting suicide prevention and postvention
Ask About Suicide
Talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable or even frightening, but asking the question can save a life.
When someone is struggling, they often feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to reach out. By simply asking, or “Are you thinking about suicide?”, directly and clearly, you open the door for honest conversation and connection. This question do not put the idea in someone’s mind, instead, they show that you care and that it’s safe to talk.
As a community, we all play a role in supporting one another. You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Being present, listening without judgment, and asking directly can help someone feel seen, heard, and less alone.
Why asking matters:
It breaks the silence. Many people struggling with suicidal thoughts feel they can’t talk about it.
It shows care and concern. Asking directly lets someone know they matter.
It creates an opportunity for help. A conversation can lead to support, resources, and safety.
How to ask:
Be calm, direct, and compassionate.
Use clear language (avoid vague phrases like “Are you okay?”).
Listen more than you speak, without judgment or rushing to fix things.
What to remember:
You don’t have to have all the answers. Your willingness to ask and listen can be the first step toward hope and healing.
Together, we can build a community where no one feels alone, and where it’s okay to ask for help.
Keeping Your Space Safe: Lethal Means Safety
Why it Matters
A suicide attempt often happens during a brief period of intense distress.
Access to dangerous items increases risk.
Making items harder to access can prevent harm and give time for the crisis to pass.
Creating a safer environment at home and in our community is an important part of suicide prevention. One way to do this is through lethal means safety, which simply means reducing access to items that could be used to cause harm during a moment of crisis.
Many suicidal crises are short-term and impulsive, and putting time and distance between a person and dangerous items can save lives.
You don’t have to remove everything, even small steps can make a big difference.
Medications
Keep medications locked in a cabinet or lockbox.
Avoid storing large quantities when possible.
Safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
Ask a trusted person to help manage medications during a difficult time.
Firearms
Store firearms locked, unloaded, and secured.
Store ammunition separately and locked.
Use cable locks, trigger locks, or safes.
Consider temporarily storing firearms outside the home during times of crisis.
Simple Ways to Make Your Space Safer
Kalamazoo Community Resources
Free Gun Locks
Kalamazoo County offers free cable gun locks through the Health & Community Services office and Gryphon Place.
Community members can pick them up or request them for events.
Gun Amnesty Program (Anonymous Drop-Off)
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety provides a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted firearms.
No questions asked.
Multiple community drop-off locations.
Firearms are securely handled and safely disposed of.
This program helps reduce access to firearms and keeps our community safer.
A Community Effort
Keeping spaces safe isn’t about fear—it’s about care, prevention, and protecting one another.
You don’t need to do everything perfectly.
Start with what you can.
Even one step—like locking up medication or using a gun lock—can help save a life.
Narcan Distribution Centers
Frequent Q&A
What should I do if someone says they are thinking about suicide?
Take them seriously
Stay with them if you can
Help connect them to support (call or text 988)
Call 911 if they are in immediate danger
You don’t have to handle it alone—help is available.
Can I make a difference even if I’m not a professional?
Yes. You don’t need special training to help:
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Check in with people
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Ask directly if they’re struggling
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Listen without judgment
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Help connect them to support
Your presence can make a big difference.
What is Narcan and why is it important?
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s safe, easy to use, and available in the community.
Having Narcan on hand can help save a life.
What is "lethal means safety"?
What resources are available in our community?
What if I’m the one who is struggling?
Lethal means safety means making potentially dangerous items less accessible during times of crisis—such as medications, firearms, or sharp objects.
Even small steps—like locking up medications or using a gun lock—can help prevent suicide.
In Kalamazoo County:
- Call or text 988 (24/7 support)
- Local organizations provide free gun locks and naloxone (Narcan)
- Gryphon Place
- ISK
- Community programs support mental health and substance use prevention
You can link to your resource page here.
You are not alone, and help is available.
Call or text 988
Talk to someone you trust
Reach out to a counselor or healthcare provider
It’s okay to ask for help—and you deserve support.
Seal For Organizations
Building a Safer, More Supportive Community
The Suicide Safe Organization Seal recognizes local organizations in Kalamazoo County that are committed to suicide prevention and supporting individuals in crisis.
Organizations that earn this designation have taken an important step by ensuring that at least two full-time staff members have completed a two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). Or have hosted evidence based suicide prevention Trainings for their teams.
ASIST is an evidence-based training that teaches participants how to:
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Recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide
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Have direct, supportive conversations
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Help keep someone safe and connect them to resources
2026 Suicide safe organization awards recipients
