Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz
September is Suicide Prevention Month and today Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera joined Commissioner of Mental Health Sarah Bonk, LMSW along with Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein, MD, MPH; Jessica Pirro, LMSW, President & CEO of Crisis Services and Chair of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County, Elena Miller, LMSW, Suicide Prevention Coalition Coordinator, and other community partners to bring awareness about suicide prevention and raise a Flag of Hope at the Edward A. Rath County Office Building.
“Each time we raise this flag, we reaffirm Erie County’s commitment to suicide prevention and to creating a community where people feel supported in reaching out for help,” said Commissioner of Mental Health Sarah Bonk. “It is an opportunity to speak openly about suicide, challenge the stigma that can keep people silent, and remind people that they matter, that help is available, and that no one should have to struggle alone.”
According to the World Heath Organization, more than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15-to-29-year-olds globally. For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
“No matter how robust and responsive our health and mental health systems are, no one can ever know exactly the types of challenges that others are facing. The front lines of suicide prevention are in our homes, at our workplaces, in our medical spaces – they exist in everyday interactions wherever we encounter others,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County understands this, and continues to find ways to extend the reach of their suicide prevention messages. Their work and coordination of this Flag of Hope event is appreciated and valued.”
Individuals experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and who have a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons, and prisoners.
Elena Miller, Suicide Prevention Coalition Coordinator added, “While New York ranks among the states with the lowest suicide rates, 1,701 lives were still lost to suicide in 2024, reminding us that even one life lost is too many. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County envisions a community where the collective power of education, prevention, and support comes together to make our future free from suicide by offering hope, strength, and resilience. Guided by that vision, our coalition and more than 70 community partners work every day to raise awareness, deliver life-saving training, expand outreach, and use data to inform meaningful action. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where everyone knows one simple truth: when there is help, there is hope.”
Jessica C. Pirro, President/CEO of Crisis Services, said, “At Crisis Services, we know that suicide prevention is not limited to a single month or awareness campaign. As Erie County's crisis response center, Crisis Services is privileged to be a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families 24 hours a day. Suicide prevention requires more than awareness; it requires accessible support, timely intervention, and a community committed to caring for one another. We are proud to work alongside our partners to strengthen that safety net every day, ensuring that anyone experiencing emotional distress can find the safety, help, and hope and know that there is a future worth reaching for”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Mental Health, https://www.erie.gov/mentalhealth/
On the Erie County Department of Health, visit https://www.erie.gov/health
On Crisis Services, visit https://crisisservices.org/
On the Suicide Prevention Coalition, visit https://suicidepreventionecny.org/
On the World Health Organization, visit https://www.who.int/
