FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2018
Contact: John Lyon 845-638-5645

New City, NY - September is National Suicide Awareness month. According to the CDC death by suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States among all age groups. Loss through suicide is not isolated to people with pre-existing mental illness or substance use disorders. It affects all age groups, all ethnic groups and all religious groups. Loss by suicide has a lasting impact on the friends and family left behind. Screening for suicide and awareness of the warning signs, along with knowledge of community resources is important for all of us. #BeThe1To--save a life.

"The Be The 1 To Campaign is powerful because it illustrates how easily you can be there for those in need. Be The 1 To: ask tough questions; be there without passing judgement; help them connect to a support system; Be The 1 To save someone's life," said County Executive Day. "Every conversation we have helps erase the stigma, helps make it a little bit easier for someone dealing with this to talk about what's going on."

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Rockland, run through the Rockland County Department of Mental Health, in conjunction with area provider agencies and advocate groups would like to highlight just some of the events taking place during the month of September.

• SPC-R: Poster campaign, highlighting there are alternatives to self-injury and resources for help. Look for posters all over Rockland.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: will host "Out of the Darkness" walk on 9/22/18 at Rockland Lake. Registration opens at 10:00 am. Register at www.afsp.org/rocklandcounty
• Jawonio, Inc, The ARC Rockland, Bridges Vet 2 Vet, and The Depression and Bipolar Disorder Association of Rockland will be just some of the organizations to have walking teams
• NAMI of Rockland is hosting a public viewing 9/26/18 at the Regal Cinema in Nanuet of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect." Tickets will be on sale pre-order only for $12.95. This is an impactful movie. http://suicidetherippleeffect.com/
• MHA of Rockland will be presenting at the 9/12/18 Rockland Psychiatric Center Grand Rounds on suicide prevention strategies.
• Rockland Jewish Family Services will be making numerous presentations to area synagogues and at the JCC on Suicide Prevention.
• Orangeburg Service Center in Orangeburg will have an in-house Focus Day bringing in peer specialists to facilitate presentations.
• VCS in New City will have an Open House to showcase the agency's supports.
• SC Haverstraw Place will hold a focus day on depression and suicide among aging adults.

Important Phone/Text Numbers:

• Rockland Paramedic Services- Behavioral Health Response Team: 845-517-0400
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, En Espanol: 888-628-9458
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 800-799-4889
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press 1
• New York HOPEline: 1-877-846-7369
• LGBTQ Youth-The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• Crisis Text Line: Text 'Textgot5' to 741741

Helpful reminders:

• Always make certain fire arms are safely secured.
• Unused prescription medications can be dropped off at your local Police department.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Rockland (SPC-R) would like to extend an invitation to attend our monthly meetings held at the Department of Mental Health on the Yeager Health Center campus, the fourth Wednesday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00pm.

Please contact Brigid Pigott at pigottb@co.rockland.ny.us for more information or how you can participate in the Coalition.

Keep updated on events and trainings at:

https://rocklandgov.com/departments/mental-health/suicide-prevention-coalition-of-rockland-county/

View our Suicide Prevention Poster.

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