Stop by our Suicide Prevention and Awareness Vigil events on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day

• 10 am to 2 pm at the Student Services Showcase in Aptos (Library Plaza)

• 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Watsonville Breezeway

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 15-34 (10th overall). Knowing the signs, and getting certified in Mental Health First Aid to learn how to help those in crisis, is a crucial part of prevention. Student Health Services is offering Mental Health First Aid training for free to staff and students (a $150 value) on Friday, September 18th from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Enroll here or download the flyer for more information.

Please also download and share our September 2026 Suicide Prevention & Awareness poster to spread awareness of the most common warning signs and how you can help.

Common Warning Signs

• Talk of...

  • Killing themselves

  • Feeling hopeless

  • Having no reason to live

  • Being a burden to others

• Behavior:

  • Increased substance use

  • Withdrawing/isolating

  • Giving away prized possessions

• Mood:

  • Depression/Anxiety

  • Loss of interest

  • Irritability

  • Agitation/Anger

How you can help:

• Ask, "Are you thinking of killing yourself?"

• Keep them safe - reduce access to lethal items or places

• Be there - Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings

• Help them connect - call or text the Suicide Crisis Lifeline 988 (or text "Courage" to 741-741)

• Stay connected - Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis

Healing happens together.

Connecting Por Siempre

Join us for Connecting Por Siempre, a wellness experience celebrating connection to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

Event Date/Times/Locations:

Thursday, September 17

• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Aptos Campus, Building 900 Plaza

• 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Watsonville Center, Building A Breezeway

Through creative activities like art, gardening, and a community circle, we'll honor cultura, belonging, and wellbeing while building meaningful connections that last por siempre.

Come connect. Create. Grow. Belong.

Ven a conectar. Crear. Crecer. Pertenecer.

We will have a return of the tortilla making station, plus other bites

Each attendee will receive a pot and paint. We will also provide soil, cuttings and/or seeds to plant in your newly decorated pot. Sign up below to reserve your pot (pun intended)!

Registration: Connecting Por Siempre

Open to all students and employees interested in:

∙ Becoming certified in mental health first aid
∙ Learning how to help others in distress
∙ Gaining knowledge of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions
∙ Engaging in experiential activities that build an understanding of mental illness
∙ Learning about evidence-supported treatment & self-help strategies
∙ Increasing personal mental wellness
∙ Free for Students & Staff of Cabrillo College, open to community members for a $50 (+ $3 credit card fee). $150 Value!

Details:

Friday, September 18th

8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Aptos Room 913

Register Here

Please contact SHS at healthservices@cabrillo.edu or call (831) 479-6435 if you have any questions.

Student Health Services is teaming up with the Student Housing, Family Services & Essential Supports team to host the Fall Health & Essential Needs Fair! Join us for campus and community health resources to support your wellbeing.

Stop by to learn about all the free and affordable ways you can be well for the coming school year, get your flu shot, grab a food, pick up free swag, and win great prizes!

Watsonville Campus

Wednesday, September 30th

10 am to 12 pm

Watsonville Breezeway

Aptos Campus

Thursday, October 1st

10:30 am to 1:30 pm

Aptos Main Quad

View Flyer