Group raises a Flag of Hope in Support of Suicide Prevention
More than 700,000 deaths by suicide occur each year globally; in 2021 suicide was the third-leading cause of death among 15–29 year olds
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined today by Commissioner of Mental Health Mark O’Brien, Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein, CEO of Crisis Services Jessica Pirro, Coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Coalition Celia Spacone, Ph.D., Suicide Prevention Program Manager Katie Coric, LCSW, and concerned citizens in front of the Edward A. Rath county office building to spread a message of hope and proclaim “Suicide Prevention Week” in Erie County. Following remarks the group raised a yellow “Flag of Hope” on the Rath building flagpole as a symbol of hope against this public health crisis. World Suicide Prevention week is September 8-14, while World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10; yellow is the color chosen to highlight the issue of suicide prevention.
“Today we gather to voice our support, our compassion and our care for those who feel that they are alone, have no one to talk to, or have no way out of the problems they are facing. There are people who care and who can help, and they are right here waiting to hear your voice,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Together with our partners we are committed to ending the scourge of suicide in Erie County, and by working together we can remove the stigma associated with suicide and help to foster and instill positive, healthy attitudes.”
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how this complex issue is perceived and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Mental Health, visit https://www3.erie.gov/mentalhealth/
On Crisis Services, visit https://crisisservices.org/
On the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County, visit https://suicidepreventionecny.org/
On the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, visit https://bfnc.org/
On the World Health Organization, visit https://www.who.int/
On the International Association for Suicide Prevention, visit https://www.iasp.info/
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