Every September, communities across the country observe National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month — a time to reflect, educate, and take action. Established in 2008, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of suicide prevention, the need to support those affected by suicide, and the value of connecting individuals with resources that can truly make a difference.
At Greater Mental Health of New York, we hold a deep belief: where there is help, there is hope. This isn’t just a motto — it’s a truth backed by research. Studies show that strong social support and open conversations about mental health and suicide can significantly reduce the risk of a lifetime suicide attempt. When people feel heard, supported, and connected, healing becomes possible.
This September, we’re shining a spotlight on suicide prevention resources. From community events to support groups and crisis services, these tools are here to help individuals and families navigate difficult times and find the care they deserve.
Whether you’re seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us in this movement. Together, we can build a community where no one feels alone — and where hope is always within reach.
Recursos de crisis
Find support for yourself or those who may be at risk.
Dial 911 if someone is in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others.
If you are in crisis, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text “HOME” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
After-Hours Support for Greater Mental Health Clients
- If you’re engaged in Greater Mental Health services and need immediate assistance ‘after hours’, please call 914-266-2922.
- Assistance is available during:
- Lunes a jueves, de 8:00 pm a 9:00 am
- Friday from 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 9:00 a.m., including holidays.
El proyecto Trevor
- Dial 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. The Trevor Project is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQIA+ youth.
My Sisters’ Place
- Dial 800-298-7233. MSP’s 24/7/365 Hotline is a confidential lifeline staffed by trained professionals for individuals in Westchester County who may be abused or trafficked and are seeking crisis counseling or connection to services (including shelter).
Resources, places to find community and seek education
Postvention Services at Greater Mental Health
Losing someone to suicide is unlike any other loss, and for many people seeking group support, a dedicated program is more comfortable than general bereavement services. Both our Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group y Servicios de apoyo posvención build off of this idea and are specifically meant for individuals who are experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one due to suicide.
Suicide Prevention Training Opportunities at Greater Mental Health
Offered to staff, community members, and professional partners, our trainings focus on mental health and wellness, evidence-based practices, and suicide prevention.
Our trainers are equipped to offer these suicide prevention trainings to our community partners:
- QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Our QPR suicide prevention training teaches the steps to become a resource for someone who might be struggling. Learn how to recognize warning signs, intervene, and refer someone in crisis to the appropriate resources.
- LivingWorks safeTALK is a three to four-hour training designed to create safer communities through teaching people to be more alert to signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and help develop the skills to connect them to further help. Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a comprehensive, interactive workshop designed to equip participants with essential skills to support individuals at risk of suicide. Delivered over two days in person, this evidence-based training combines powerful audiovisuals, dynamic group discussions, and hands-on practice through realistic simulations. Whether you’re a caregiver, community member, or professional, ASIST empowers you to make a difference when it matters most.
Aprende más about our trainings or contact Brian Gens, Greater Mental Health’s Senior Director of Training, Advocacy, and External Affairs at GensB@greatermentalhealth.org to coordinate a Suicide Prevention training for your workplace, event, or organization.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Hudson Valley / Westchester Chapter
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Hudson Valley / Westchester Chapter focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of a diverse group of community members and organizations working collaboratively to reduce suicide risk and deaths through education, awareness, data-driven initiatives, and inclusive support across Westchester.
The Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale NY
In 2022, the Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale was created to establish a permanent place for reflection for family members and loved ones of those who ended their lives by suicide. The Healing Garden is the result of a collaboration between Westchester County Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH), Parks, Recreation and Conservation, NAMI Westchester, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP).
Local Events
Peer Support and Resources are available at the Biblioteca pública de llanuras blancas every Tuesday from 12:30 to 4:00 pm
Come talk to Greater Mental Health’s peer specialists in the lobby of White Plains Library every Tuesday from 12:30-4:00 pm. This weekly service offers accessible mental health resources to the community, and our team is available to offer information, help, a listening ear, and support.
Join us in raising awareness at these local walks this fall:
