LAC hosts Suicide Awareness Month events for staff

September 15, 2026

California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) staff participated in multiple initiatives to highlight Suicide Awareness Month. The observances and activities show how LAC in Lancaster is strengthening its commitment to mental health, hope and connection.

First Suicide Awareness Month door-decorating initiative

Ocean-themed decorated door in LAC for Suicide Awareness Month.

Colorfully decorated door at LAC for Suicide Awareness Month.

Employees across the institution dedicated time and creativity to decorating their doors. They included administration, C‑complex medical, in-service training, business services, accounting, mental health and individual offices. The doors displayed messages of encouragement, uplifting visuals and themes centered on wellness. Each door became a symbol of solidarity, showing how asking for help is sign of strength, not weakness.

By embracing this new initiative, staff helped make Suicide Awareness Month visible in everyday workspaces. The displays remind staff support is available, compassion is present and no one at LAC stands alone. This first year of door decorating sets a strong foundation for continued awareness, education and unity for years to come.

Twin Day: A reminder we are not alone

Suicide Awareness Month Twin Day at LAC.

Three women wear shirts with the words "It's OK not to be OK."

Twin Day at LAC became a meaningful addition to September’s Suicide Awareness Month, reinforcing support, unity and connection are within reach.

Staff across multiple departments participated by dressing in matching outfits, many choosing customized T‑shirts featuring the warden and chief deputy warden.

Images on a shirt show the warden and chief deputy warden at LAC in Lancaster, September 2026.

The lighthearted spirit of Twin Day boosted morale while reminding staff no one at LAC stands alone.

By pairing up and presenting themselves in unity, employees emphasized the importance of togetherness — a core message during Suicide Awareness Month. The matching shirts and shared laughter helped break down barriers, strengthen bonds and encourage conversations about mental wellness. Twin Day demonstrated even small expressions of solidarity can make a significant impact, offering encouragement to peers and fostering a work environment in which reaching out for help is not only accepted but embraced.

This first Twin Day within LAC’s suicide awareness efforts strengthened staff morale and set a positive precedent for future activities highlighting connection, compassion and teamwork.

LAC’s first 5K Run honors loved ones while promoting hope

Group of staff during the first Suicide Awareness Month 5k run.

As part of Suicide Awareness Month, staff at LAC came together for a 5K run blending awareness, remembrance and personal strength. Employees from various departments participated, with several choosing to run in honor of loved ones lost to suicide. Their dedication brought a deeply personal dimension to the event, underscoring the importance of continued advocacy, support and open dialogue surrounding mental health.

The 5K offered staff a chance to reflect, connect and support one another. The environment was focused on wellness and resilience. Each step taken represented a commitment to prevention and awareness. Staff had a shared goal of building a culture where seeking help is encouraged. Whether walking or running, participants demonstrated solidarity and determination, showing how healing and hope are strengthened through collective action.

First LAC Suicide Awareness Month 5k run.

While the first awareness run at LAC was a physical challenge, it was also a symbol of remembrance, unity and commitment to suicide prevention. Staff involvement set the foundation for making the 5K a meaningful tradition for years to come.

Submitted by Lt. C. Coupland

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