Throughout the month of September, Erie’s Bicentennial Tower will be illuminated in purple to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting hope, and encouraging conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
From September 1 through September 30, the tower will serve as a visible reminder that help is available and that suicide prevention is a shared community responsibility. The purple lighting symbolizes support for individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide and highlights the importance of education, awareness, and access to mental health resources.
The initiative is sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Advisory Board of Erie County in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Implementation and Research Center for Healthy Communities. The project is supported through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant.
Community leaders hope the display will encourage residents to learn more about suicide prevention, reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges, and support those who may be struggling. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to promote understanding, compassion, and connection while emphasizing that recovery and support are possible.
The public is encouraged to join in recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by sharing resources, checking in with family and friends, and supporting local prevention efforts throughout September.
For individuals experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
