The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and locally, a few groups are striving to start the conversation about mental health and bring an end to the stigma.

According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and it’s one of just three leading causes that are on the rise.

Because of this, Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems at Longleaf Hospital hosted the ‘Carnival of Life’, a suicide prevention awareness fundraiser.

The event featured music, carnival games, food, and prizes. But more importantly, multiple agencies, such as the Acadiana Addiction Center, and Acadiana Medical Psychological Services, were in attendance providing resources about mental health and wellness.

Director of Clinical Services at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems, Katie Hebert, explains why they’ll be making Saturday’s event an annual tradition, “Our main goal for hosting this is to invite conversation with families so that we can talk about a topic that is pretty taboo, which is suicide. But talking about it is a great thing and it’s a great support to families to have that discussion.”

100% of the proceeds from today’s ‘Carnival of Life’ event will be going directly to 232-HELP, which is a suicide prevention hot-line based in Lafayette.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can visit: