Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a preventable public health problem - it is rarely random or inevitable.
Everyone can help prevent suicide. Even if you are not in a position to implement a suicide prevention program in your community, there are things you can do to help save a life.
- Learn the warning signs for suicide.
- Learn about how to talk about suicide and mental illness.
- If someone you know exhibits any of the warning signs, learn how to respond appropriately.
We have provided some links specific to bullying, suicide and the media on our Resources & Links page.
Help to reduce the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness by talking about it and by encouraging help–seeking in your social circles, workplaces and communities.
The Minnesota Department of Health´s Suicide Prevention Program is primarily educational in nature and is part of MDH´s public health approach to Mental Health. We do not provide or oversee publicly funded mental health or substance abuse treatment. For information on mental health services, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Press Releases, Fact Sheets, Reports
- Press Release, September 2009 (PDF: 30K/2 pages)
- Fact Sheet
- Minnesota´s Current Suicide Prevention Plan 2007 (PDF: 153 KB/22 pages)
- Archive of previous publications
Best Practices
There is no quick or easy answer for preventing suicide, but there are some best practices that have been established for the field. While some approaches may require a monetary investment, there is a lot that can be done with the energy and time of committed and knowledgeable individuals.
Need Data?
Grant Program
- Statewide Suicide Prevention Public Education Grant Program Application June 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011 Information and Materials (MS Word: 477KB/35 pages)
- Community-Based Suicide Prevention Grant Program Application June 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011 Information and Materials (MS Word: 536KB/35 pages)
- Statute for MDH´s Suicide Prevention Program (Ch. 245, Art. 1, Sec. 3) (PDF: 75KB/2 pages)
- 2009-2010 Suicide Prevention Grantees
- Financial and Progress Report Forms

