September is Suicide Prevention Month

Established in 2008, National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, supporting those affected by suicide, and encouraging people to connect with available suicide prevention and postvention resources within their communities.

At Greater Mental Health of New York, we firmly believe that where there is help, there is hope. Research supports this, showing that social support and open conversations about mental health and suicide can significantly reduce the likelihood of a lifetime suicide attempt. In light of these findings, Greater Mental Health is highlighting both national and local resources and events available to residents of Westchester and Rockland counties. Our goal is to encourage open discussions about mental health and suicide, increase awareness of available supports, and reduce barriers to accessing the mental health care that everyone deserves.

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Local Resources

Local Events

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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.

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Local Resources

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 epi Sèvis Sipò Postvention 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.

• Learn more about our Postvention Support Services.
• Learn more about our Survivors of Suicide Group.

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.

• Aprann plis about our trainings.
• Pran kontak to coordinate a Suicide Prevention training for your workplace, event, or organization.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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.

• Learn more about ASFP Hudson Valley / Westchester Chapter

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).

Mobile Crisis Response Team

Did you know that the Westchester County police departments offer 24-hour mobile behavioral health crisis support when responding to emergencies?

The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) collaborates with police to assist individuals experiencing mental health crises such as behavioral health issues, homelessness, substance misuse and domestic violence. Each MCRT Team is composed of mental health professionals from agencies within Westchester County. At Greater Mental Health, our team works with police departments within the Greenburgh catchment area to provide MCRT services in Greenburgh, White Plains, Tarrytown, Elmsford, Hastings-on-Hudson, Ardsley, Irvington, and Dobbs Ferry.

The MCRT is available exclusively through 911 dispatch or the local police department. Dispatch deploys the team when officers encounter an individual in need of an immediate behavioral health assessment or follow-up services, or when community members or individuals interacting with officers request MCRT for additional support and connections to resources.

• Lonje men jodi a for more details about MCRT.

Local Events

Peer Support and Resources available at the White Plains Public Library every Tuesday

Held Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Bibliyotèk Piblik White Plains

Come talk to Greater Mental Health’s peer specialists in the lobby of White Plains Library every Tuesday from 12:30-4:00 p.m. This weekly service serves to provide accessible mental health resources to the community, and our team is available to offer information, help, a listening ear, and support.

Local Walks for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention

Come find Greater Mental Health of New York staff at local walks this fall:

• NAMI Rockland 5K and Walk for Wellness, September 8th at Rockland Lake State Park
• Rockland American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk, October 5th at Rockland Lake
• Westchester American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk, October 19th at Harbor Island Park

Community Forum: Supporting Youth with Unexpected Changes in Thinking and Perception

October 9th at Bibliyotèk Piblik White Plains

Held in partnership with Westchester Jewish Community Services and the Westchester Department of Community Mental Health, this community forum will help guide you in navigating the support systems available to you and your child.

• Learn more and register

Speak Up! A Candid Conversation on Mental Health, Stigma, Suicide Prevention, and the Positive Impact of Community

November 18th at Finkelstein Memorial Library

• Learn more and register