GENESEO, N.Y., Sept. 3, 2024 – The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed September 2024 as National Suicide Prevention Month, joining a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the growing public health issue. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Livingston County offers a range of programming designed to help residents considering suicide, struggling with mental health, or simply in need of help. Livingston County Mental Health Services is a county-operated clinic licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health. It provides teletherapy and in-person access to psychiatrists, therapists, social workers and counselors for children and adults who encounter mental health issues such as stress, significant life-changing events, trauma and more.  

The Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force is a service of the Genesee Valley Health Partnership. The group provides resources educating the community about suicide prevention and works to reduce stigma around mental health discussions. Starting this month, a new billboard campaign from the task force will go live at multiple locations around the county. The billboards will feature suicide prevention themed messaging throughout National Suicide Prevention Month with the goal of encouraging community-wide discussions about suicide prevention and resources, said Livingston County Probation Director and Chairperson of the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force Lynne Mignemi.

“I want to gratefully acknowledge the members of the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force for their tireless passion and commitment for the work they do in preventing suicide and supporting attempt and loss survivors. Deep gratitude also goes to Diane Deane, Genesee Valley Health Partnership consultant, and the Board of Directors of the Genesee Valley Health Partnership for supporting the work the task force does in our communities,” said Mignemi. “Research shows that talking about and using the word suicide reduces loss by suicide. When we have the conversations, we are sharing in this life saving work together."

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force will hold its tenth annual overdose and suicide awareness candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. in Al Lorenz Park in Mount Morris. The vigil, which is free and open to the public, will be an evening of remembrance and hope honoring loved ones lost to suicide and overdose. It will also be live-streamed on the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force Facebook page for those unable to attend in-person. There will be guest speakers, testimonials and lighting of candles as a symbol of hope and reflection during the event.

Lock and Talk Livingston is a suicide prevention program championed by the task force aimed at preventing self-harm by limiting access to firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items during a mental health crisis. The program provides gun owners and retailers with evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training, free safety devices such as gun and medication locks, and disposal pouches for unused medications in the home. Promoting safe storage practices for weapons and reducing the stigma around discussions of mental health are key components of the Lock and Talk Livingston program. 

This National Suicide Prevention Month, county officials encourage all residents to:

• Recognize suicide as a preventable public health problem
• Promote awareness that there is no single cause for suicide
• Support initiatives to improve access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services

If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat. 

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Livingston County:

Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.