Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day

Suicide is a complex public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023 ASHP, in collaboration with other pharmacy organizations, established a Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day on September 20 to expand public awareness of the increased risk of suicide within our profession.

While suicide is considered preventable, there is significant stigma attached to it. Many people are unsure of how to initiate discussions with others when they have concerns about their mental health. It is a misconception that talking about suicide or asking about suicidal thoughts may plant the idea or increase the risk of suicide. One of the goals of the establishment of Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day is that it may spark meaningful conversations that can lead to helping those at greatest risk of death by suicide.

It is recommended that education regarding suicide risk take a three prong approach: awareness, prevention, and response. This site offers resources for each arm of this approach to pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians whose lives have been impacted by suicide or who want to learn more about this grave issue.