Baton Rouge, La. (August 28, 2026) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) signed a three-year contract with Southern University and A&M College (SU) to bring greater suicide prevention awareness to communities across Louisiana. The expanded program will equip Louisianans to recognize risks, take appropriate action, and make connections for mental health providers. The partnership is designed to bring shared knowledge and expand capacity across multiple community networks, including mental health professionals, first responders and law enforcement, educators, service members, veterans, and faith-based leaders.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death for the young (ages 15 to 24). Suicide is the 14th leading cause of death in Louisiana. It is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24 and 25 to 34 in Louisiana.
SU has been a leader in Louisiana in providing suicide and mental health education, training, and resources to communities across the state. The Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources (LCPR) was established at the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology at Southern University as a statewide resource to improve behavioral health.
LCPR recognized the growing need to raise awareness about suicide prevention and worked to make resources available to all suicide prevention professionals. It offers statewide virtual and online courses to various populations such as first responders, faith-based communities, higher education personnel, and student athletes at no cost to participants.
“Southern University has a longstanding commitment to using our academic expertise and community partnerships to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Louisiana,” said John K. Pierre, chancellor of Southern University and A&M College. “Through the Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources, we have built a strong foundation for suicide prevention education and training, and this partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health will allow us to expand that work to reach even more communities across our state. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs and connect individuals to appropriate resources, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful and potentially life-saving difference.”
988 Day
Both organizations will come together next month to recognize 988 Day, a national initiative to bring awareness to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, branded in Louisiana as Louisiana 988. Individuals can contact 988 for help with all types of problems — whether you are having a tough day, are overwhelmed, are struggling with substance or alcohol use, or are having thoughts of suicide. Call, text, or chat at Louisiana988.org to connect with trained helpline counselors who will listen, treat you with empathy, and help you work through whatever you’re dealing with. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
The public is welcome to attend 988 Day on Tuesday, September 8, from 9:45 a.m. to noon at the Capitol Gardens in Baton Rouge. This free community event is hosted by the LDH Office of Behavioral Health and its Louisiana 988 call centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. Follow LDH on Facebook, X, and Instagram for more details as they are announced. To learn more, visit ldh.la.gov.