County Marks Suicide Prevention Month With 988 Day Podcast, Renewed Outreach Push

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — It never hurts to be reminded that the is always help available if you need it.

Westchester County is marking Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September with events and activities aimed at raising awareness, spreading hope and encouraging action around suicide prevention. In White Plains, Sept. 8, known as 988 Day, will include a closer look at local resources, support systems and the people working to prevent suicide through Episode 24 of the county podcast.

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The special podcast episode features Annette Peters-Ruvolo of the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Maria Idoni of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hudson Valley/Westchester, and Angela Jacobs of the Crisis Prevention and Response Team at St. Vincent's Hospital/988 Call Center.

The discussion focuses on warning signs and misconceptions surrounding suicide, how to better support someone who may be struggling, the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health conversations, and what it means when they say, "it's okay not to be okay."

"It is important to remember that talking about suicide does not cause harm – rather, not talking about it can," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "The many programs and resources offered by our Department of Community Mental Health and our community partners are making a meaningful difference for people that are struggling. Our 988 Call Center connects those in need with immediate support and resources. Our recently launched #988Challenge is another way we can engage our community, raise awareness and encourage people to learn more about the 988 Lifeline. The more we talk openly about mental health, educate people about 988 and make sure people know help is available, the more we can connect people with the support they need."

The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential and local to Westchester County residents. Residents can call, text or chat 988 to reach what the county described as a live, judgment-free counselor. People may contact 988 for concerns including substance use disorder, economic worries, relationships, culture and identity, illness, intimate partner violence, depression, mental and physical illness and loneliness.

The county also said people contemplating suicide can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The service connects callers directly to a local, trained counselor who will provide support, resources and care.

The podcast episode is available through Westchester Explained. Listeners can also subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for county news and updates.