STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The month of September has been designated National Suicide Prevention Month across the country. Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) will host a Suicide Prevention Resource Fair Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the hospital at 355 Bard Avenue in West Brighton.
The event will feature behavioral health experts from RUMC, as well as community partners who will provide information and give attendees a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
“Preventing suicide is not just about addressing the behavioral health component of the situation,” RUMC President and chief Executive Officer Daniel J. Messina said. “It also means addressing other factors such as a ensuring a stable and safe home environment, improving financial security, and reducing substance use, all of which are factors that can lead to someone seriously considering, and attempting to, harm themselves. Our fair will equip the public with information and resources that hopefully they will never have to use, but could be the difference in avoiding a tragedy.”
In addition to information on RUMC programs for adults and children, community partners will also be on hand providing resources on insurance, housing and food assistance, and many other services available on Staten Island.
The 121st Police Precinct’s Community Affairs Unit will also be on hand to share gun safety and proper firearm storage information.
The RUMC staff will also hold NARCAN trainings and distribute free fentanyl test strips.
Raffles, food, music, and refreshments will also be provided.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021. That equates to one death every 11 minutes. Suicide rates increased 36% between 2000 and 2021. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.
In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide…
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