Join us on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 am (EDT) for the webinar Driving regional action to strengthen suicide prevention in the Americas, to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day 2026. The webinar aims to promote regional exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices to accelerate the implementation of evidence-based interventions to prevent suicide in the Americas. This also marks the first anniversary of the PAHO Regional Suicide Initiative, which has highlighted the countries' commitment to strengthening suicide prevention, as well as the importance of knowledge exchange and technical cooperation.
Webinar objectives:
- Present the progress achieved during the first year of implementation of the Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention.
- Disseminate suicide prevention strategies recommended by PAHO and WHO.
- Share successful experiences developed by Member States in various contexts.
- Promote the exchange of knowledge among health authorities, professionals, researchers, civil society organizations, and individuals with lived experience.
- Strengthen regional cooperation to accelerate the implementation of effective suicide prevention policies and interventions.
How to participate
- DAY: Thursday, September 10, 2026
- TIME: 10:00 a.m. (Washington, DC time or EDT) [See the bottom of this page for times in other cities]
- LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese, and Spanish with simultaneous interpretation in those languages.
- REGISTRATION: Available soon!
Agenda
- 10:00 a.m. Welcome remarks
- Dr. Oliveira e Souza, Head of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, PAHO
- 10:05 a.m. One Year of the Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention: Progress and Perspectives
- Dr. Oliveira e Souza, Head of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, PAHO
- 10:15 a.m. Importance of adapting suicide prevention interventions to Indigenous populations
- Representative of the Brazilian Ministry of Health
- 10:30 a.m. Incorporating work with gatekeepers into suicide prevention
- Representative of the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health of Guyana
- 10:45 a.m. Suicide risk detection process in primary health care
- Representative of Mexico's National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions
- 11:15 a.m. Discussion and next steps
- Dr. Oliveira e Souza, head of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, PAHO
Background
In September 2025, PAHO launched the Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention, a technical cooperation platform aimed at accelerating the implementation of evidence-based interventions across Member States. The initiative promotes strengthened governance, improved access to comprehensive mental health services, and the development of awareness-raising and communication activities, in alignment with WHO recommendations and the LIVE LIFE approach.
During its first year of implementation, the initiative has supported countries in strengthening national suicide prevention plans, integrating mental health into primary care, bolstering surveillance systems, promoting responsible communication regarding suicide, developing regional technical frameworks, and creating opportunities for exchange among Member States.
Against this backdrop, World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 offers an opportunity to share progress made, disseminate successful country experiences, and reinforce the regional commitment to implementing effective, life-saving interventions.
Related links
Suicide in the Americas: Regional report 2021
Brochure: Regional Suicide Prevention Initiative
Time in other cities
- 7:00 a.m. – Los Angeles, Vancouver.
- 9:00 a.m. – Belmopan, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Managua, San José (Costa Rica), San Salvador, Tegucigalpa.
- 10:00 a.m. – Bogotá, Lima, Quito, Kingston, Panama City, Memphis, Havana, Nassau, Ottawa, Port-au-Prince, Washington, D.C.
- 11:00 a.m. – Bridgetown, Caracas, Castries, Georgetown, La Paz, Port of Spain, San Juan, Santo Domingo, St. George's, St. John's.
- 12:00 p.m. – Asunción, Buenos Aires, Brasília, Montevideo, Paramaribo, Santiago.
- 4:00 p.m. – Geneva, Madrid.
For other cities, please check the local time on this link.