As September ushers in National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Chautauqua County is preparing for a series of events to raise awareness, foster community connections, and provide 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.

“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.”

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, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. at Jackson Taylor Park in Jamestown. Walkers join together to honor loved ones lost to suicide and to raise money for suicide prevention initiatives. For more information or to register, visit Out of the Darkness Walk.

The annual Glow Your Mind 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28, will also be held at Jackson Taylor Park in Jamestown. Registration will be held from 5 to 5:55 p.m. The race will begin at 6 p.m. with an award ceremony and glow party after the race. 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.”

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 include ASIST, safeTALK, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, and Talk Saves Lives and will take place from August through December across various locations in the county, with registration required. For more information and to register, visit the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County’s website, preventsuicidechq.com.

Those who are or know someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis can call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.