Governor Designates September as Suicide Prevention Month in New York; Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Improve the State’s Mental Health System
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that landmarks and bridges across the state will be illuminated teal and purple tonight, September 10, to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and draw attention to the ongoing overhaul of New York’s mental health care system. Earlier this week, Governor Hochul issued a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month throughout the state and outlining efforts help New Yorkers connect with mental health resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
“On this day, we mourn the lives tragically lost to suicide and redouble our efforts to ensure all New Yorkers can access the care they need to overcome mental health challenges,” Governor Hochul said. "From dramatically expanding outpatient services to closing gaps in insurance coverage for behavioral health services and providing funding for new residential units, my administration is overhauling our state’s mental health system so that all New Yorkers are adequately served during their time of need.”
The landmarks to be lit in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Moynihan Train Hall
- Niagara Falls
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
To raise awareness, the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center launched a digital marketing campaign this month that will run through September and highlight the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers a three-digit number supported in all 62 counties. New Yorkers experiencing thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat for a direct connection to care and support.
New York State is now implementing Governor Hochul’s Mental Health Care Plan to overhaul the state's continuum of mental health care and drastically reduce the number of New Yorkers with unmet mental health needs. Adopted as part of the Fiscal 2024 Budget, this $1 billion multi-year investment provides $890 million in capital and $120 million in operating funding for 3,500 new residential units serving those with mental health challenges; $30 million to expand mental health services for school-aged children throughout the state, including $20 million for school-based services and $10 million to implement wraparound services training; and $10 million to strengthen suicide prevention programs for high-risk youth.