Groups Collaborate for Suicide Prevention

Warwick Cares reached out to Team Up for Hope, Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition and We the People Warwick to advocate suicide prevention strategies.

“When we, Warwick Cares, reached out to fellow local organizations Team Up for Hope, Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition and We the People Warwick about creating a banner of hope to be displayed during National Suicide Prevention Month, the response was an immediate yes,” said Judy Battista, Warwick Cares mental health and suicide prevention advocate.

“We wanted to offer hope by helping to educate the town in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Working in a collaborative effort of community groups is the best way to address these issues.” added Hannah Rose McCarthy, Warwick Cares’ suicide prevention advocate and graphic designer. “We want to save lives - and we can all take part in this mission.” 

Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. It is a global health concern, with millions of lives affected each year. It impacts surviving families, friends, and entire communities. One of the primary goals of National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each year in September, is to increase awareness about the prevalence of suicide and its risk factors. It serves as a platform to educate the public about prevention, warning signs, and vital information for people affected by suicide.

Most importantly, National Suicide Prevention Month elevates the importance of community connection and support. It serves as a reminder that suicide is preventable and that each of us can play a role in saving lives. By raising awareness, promoting resources, fostering conversations, and offering support, we can reduce the stigma and barriers to seeking help. Together, we can shine a light of hope and resilience, and reduce the devastating impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities.

The national suicide and crisis lifeline, 988, provides 24/7, free, confidential support with trained counselors for anyone in a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis as well as resources for oneself or loved ones and best practices for professionals in the United States. Anyone can call or text 988 and chat is available at 988Lifeline.org. 

The collaborative banner, created and sponsored by Warwick Cares (linktr.ee/warwickcaresny), Team Up for Hope (teamupforhope.org), Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition (warwicknyprevention.org) and We the People Warwick (wethepeoplewarwick.org), shares the message of hope that, “You Are Not Alone” and informs the community of the 988 lifeline for mental health, suicide prevention and substance use support. It was placed across West Street in the Village of Warwick for Suicide Prevention week earlier in September and will continue to travel to locations in Florida, Greenwood Lake and the other hamlets of Warwick throughout the year.

“Raising mental health awareness and preventing suicide is a year round effort and I am so encouraged to see that our community has dedicated individuals and organizations who care deeply about this cause,” shared Battista. “Together we can help one another continue to save lives.” 

Additional mental health related observances include: National Recovery Month, also in September, when we celebrate the millions of Americans who have the courage to seek help and show that recovery is possible, National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month in October, National Veterans and Military Families Month and World Kindness Day in November, and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Awareness Months December through February.

The four-organization team is asking the community to get involved. They ask that if you spot the banner, take a photo and tag any or all of the four of them on social media. “Help us to create awareness that there is help, that there is hope, and that healing is possible. We are grateful that our banner’s message is being welcomed and recognized as important for our community.”

If you are in crisis or know someone who is, please call or text the national lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 

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