MAYVILLE, NY – As September ushers in National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Chautauqua County is preparing for a series of meaningful events to raise awareness, foster community connections, and provide essential resources for mental health support.
The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County in collaboration with local organizations, has planned activities throughout the month to engage the community in this critical cause.
Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters
"Suicide Prevention Month is significant because it unites communities, breaks down the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourages open conversations that can ultimately save lives," says Carri Raynor, Director of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County. "It’s an opportunity to educate people on recognizing warning signs and to offer hope to those who may be struggling."
Events and Initiatives
In addition, the Out of the Darkness Walk hosted by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County in collaboration with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP), will take place on Saturday, September 14, at 10:00 AM at Jackson Taylor Park in Jamestown, NY. This event is a powerful demonstration of solidarity, as walkers join together to honor loved ones lost to suicide and to raise funds for suicide prevention initiatives. For more information or to register, visit Out of the Darkness Walk.
The month’s events include the annual Glow Your Mind 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 28, at Jackson Taylor Park in Jamestown, NY. Registration will be held from 5pm-5:55pm. The race will begin at 6pm. Race award ceremony and Glow Party following the race! This event will not only bring the community together in a vibrant, glowing event but also raise funds and awareness for local suicide prevention efforts. Participants can register at Glow Your Mind 5K Run/Walk.
Encouraging Open Conversations
“Asking about suicide directly can be challenging, but it is a crucial step in providing support,” Raynor explains. “By approaching the topic with compassion and without judgment, we create a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood. Remember, asking someone if they are feeling suicidal does not plant the idea—it opens the door for them to share their pain and seek help.”
The Impact of Peer Support
Raynor also highlights the importance of peer work, particularly for those who have experienced loss due to suicide. "As a loss survivor, peer work can be profoundly impactful. It offers a unique kind of support because it comes from someone who truly understands the pain and grief of losing a loved one to suicide. Sharing experiences and providing empathy can help both the survivor and those they support find healing and hope."
The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County is offering a series of free mental health and suicide prevention training sessions throughout the coming months, aimed at equipping community members with essential skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises. The trainings, including ASIST, safeTALK, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, and Talk Saves Lives, are designed to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence to support those in need. These sessions will take place from August through December across various locations in the county, with registration required. For more information and to register, please visit the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County’s website, preventsuicidechq.com.
Join Us in September
The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County invites everyone to participate in these events and to take part in the ongoing conversation about mental health. Together, we can work toward a future where no one feels alone in their struggles, and where help is readily available for those in need.
For more information on Suicide Prevention Month activities, resources, and how to get involved, please visit the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County’s website, preventsuicidechq.com.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
