Nassau County, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran held a dome lighting on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, to raise awareness on suicide and suicide prevention. At the event, County Executive Curran was joined by Legislator Arnold Drucker, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Nassau County Sheriff Vera Fludd, as well as representatives from the LGBT Network, Long Island Crisis Center, LI Suicide Prevention Coalition, YES Community Counseling Center, Pride for Youth and others to discuss the issue, revealing the latest statistics as well as sharing useful resources to help people in need and to help those who have been affected by suicide.
Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide. The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month a time to shed light on a topic that is painful and difficult to discuss.
“In Nassau County, we want to raise awareness about suicide as well as share resources to help people in need and to the help those who have been affected by suicide,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “September is Suicide Prevention Month and is helping spark this dialogue about this difficult topic, it’s important to keep this conversation going so we can make sure those suffering know they are not alone and that there is support available.”
Statistics show that suicide is a widespread problem, affecting all ages, genders, economic statuses and ethnicities. Suicide rates in the United States have increased nearly 30% since 1999. In New York specifically it rose 28.8% between 1999 through 2016. From 2014-2016, 292 people in Nassau County died by suicide.
“Lighting the dome in honor of suicide prevention month is so critical to help spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. Engaging and educating health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide will help to save many lives. LGBT youth attempt suicide at rates three times higher than their heterosexual peers and we couldn’t be more thankful that County Executive Laura Curran has stepped up to the plate to shine a light on this critical issue that will help countless number of families,” said David Kilmnick, President/CEO, LGBT Network
"In 2017, there were over 47,000 deaths by suicide in the U.S. While this number is staggering, the good news is that by having conversations and raising awareness, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Long Island Crisis Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to anyone who may be thinking about suicide or who may be concerned about a loved one that may be suicidal. Knowing how to access immediate, confidential counseling, support and connection to ongoing local services could mean the difference between life and death. September is Suicide prevention month - let's use this as an opportunity to start those conversations that must be continued every day," said Theresa Buhse, Executive Director, Long Island Crisis Center, Member of LI Suicide Prevention Coalition.
"Every year we continue to lose members of our community to suicide. Those whose lives are affected by these losses are often devastated by the aftermath of losing a friend, co-worker, neighbor or a loved one. Standing together we can prevent these tragedies by offering hope, resources, and support to those who need it most. No one needs to be alone; as we commemorate Suicide prevention month and every day, we will stand united in those efforts," said Jamie Bogenshutz, Executive Director, YES Community Counseling Center, Secretary, LI Suicide Prevention Coalition.
“Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of straight youth. 40% of transgender adults report having made a suicide attempt, 92% of which reported having attempted suicide before the age of 25. Pride for Youth opened its doors 26 years ago in response to Long Island Crisis Center observing an increase in calls from suicidal LGBTQ young people with nowhere to go for support. Today PFY provides many lifesaving services to LGBTQ Long Islanders. This suicide prevention month, Pride for Youth is proud to stand with Long Island Crisis Center and Nassau County to bring awareness to the disproportionate number of LGBTQ youth who are impacted by suicide each year,” said Aiden Jay Kaplan, Pride for Youth, LGBTQ Youth Services Manager
Nassau County offers many resources for those who are struggling including a 24/7 confidential helpline at 516-227-TALK. For more resources and information visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/SuicidePrevention