News Room

Media Resources 

Reporting on Suicide 

Careful reporting on suicide can help change perceptions, dispel myths and inform the public on the complexities of the issue. Media coverage can lead vulnerable people to seek help when stories include accessible resources and, whenever possible, elevate messages of hope and recovery. Learn more about how your reporting can make a difference in preventing suicide.

We encourage our partners in the media to include the following information in stories that mention suicide:

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text VT to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors are available 24/7.  Call 9-1-1 if you are concerned about someone’s immediate safety or need emergency medical services. 

For information on suicide in Vermont see the Suicide Surveillance Dashboard and Suicide Prevention.

Reporting on Opioid Overdose

We encourage our partners in the media to include any or all of the following information in stories that reference opioid overdose:

Anyone who uses opioids, and those who know or may be with them, are urged to follow these important harm reduction strategies to prevent a tragedy:  

• Call 911 — in the event of a possible overdose. Naloxone may not work in all cases. Vermont's Good Samaritan Law provides legal protection for people who have overdosed and those who call 911 in case of an overdose emergency.

• Never use alone — if you overdose while alone, you can die.

• Go slow — start with a small amount to test drug strength.

• Use new syringes — to reduce risk of infections and help to protect vein health.

• Test for fentanyl — fentanyl can be dangerous, so test with easy-to-use strips

• Carry naloxone — Narcan® nasal spray can reverse an overdose.

Learn more about the Health Department's overdose prevention efforts and order a free a Naloxone kit. 

Learn the signs of an overdose and find more information about opioid use disorder, prevention and treatment, at HealthVermont.gov/KnowOD.

Learn more about the Health Department's Opioid Overdose Response Initiatives and view recent data on the Opioid Overdose Dashboard.

Contact VTHelplink.org online or call 802-565-LINK (toll-free 833-565-LINK) to connect to confidential alcohol or drug treatment and other support services, and to find out where to get naloxone and test strips. 

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