South Texas Health System Behavioral to Present Webinar on Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs and Supporting Mental Wellness

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As part of its “Let’s Talk Mental Health” series, STHS Behavioral will provide education on suicide prevention, mental wellness and the importance of creating supportive environments for those in need.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern, affecting individuals, families and communities across the nation.

More than 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and adults.

While those figures are sobering, suicide is preventable, and increased awareness, reduced stigma and early intervention can help save lives.

“Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and substance use disorders can increase a person’s risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors,” said Bob Cooper, LCSW-S, Director of Utilization Review, South Texas Health System (STHS) Behavioral. “Yet many individuals experiencing emotional distress may not openly seek help or share what they are going through. That’s why recognizing the warning signs and creating supportive environments are such important components of suicide prevention.”

Open, compassionate conversations about mental health can make a meaningful difference. Listening without judgment, encouraging individuals to seek professional support and reminding them that they are not alone can help create pathways to hope and healing. Just as physical health is essential to overall well-being, so too is mental and emotional wellness.

Learning more about suicide prevention can empower individuals to take action when it matters most. Recognizing warning signs, knowing how to start a conversation and understanding where to turn for help can equip people to support themselves and others. Seeking help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional is a sign of strength and an important step toward healing and recovery.

To help Rio Grande Valley residents better understand the importance of connection, support and early intervention, STHS Behavioral will dedicate its upcoming Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to suicide prevention and mental wellness.

This free online seminar will provide valuable information on recognizing warning signs, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting individuals who may be struggling.

Through education, awareness and community support, we can work together to potentially reduce the risk of suicide and help ensure that no one faces their challenges alone.

Broadcasting live on the STHS Facebook page from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the webinar will offer practical tools and resources to help participants promote hope, foster connection and encourage timely intervention when it can make the greatest difference.

“By educating ourselves and having open conversations about mental health, we can help reduce stigma, strengthen support systems and potentially save lives,” said Cooper.

For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to view previous Let’s Talk Your Health seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.

Who: South Texas Health System
What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health – Suicide Prevention”
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (CDT)
Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page

About South Texas Health System 


South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

South Texas Health System