Suicide prevention event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

The Mental Health Association in Niagara County, the Niagara County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Suicide Prevention Center of New York, Colonial Heights Free Methodist Church, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are sponsoring “Planting Seeds of Hope” in recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month. This event is set for noon until 2:30 p.m. Saturday May 21, at Colonial Heights Free Methodist Church, 1310 Saunders Settlement Road (Route 31), Niagara Falls. It will feature a panel discussion with representatives from the youth, LGBTQ and veteran communities, as well as the parents of children who died by suicide. There will also be vendors from a variety of community-based organizations, giveaways, and a “Chalk the Walk” activity for anyone wishing to display their artistic creativity. Light snacks and refreshments will also be provided.

The event is free to attend. RSVP’s are encouraged, but not necessary to attend. Those wishing to RSVP can do so by emailing Mental Health Association Community Education Director Rhiannon O’Shea at [email protected] or calling her at 716-433-3780.

“We recently lost two congregants to a double-suicide, and we wanted to bring an event focused on suicide prevention to the community,” said Tim Deeks, pastor at Colonial Heights Free Methodist Church. “If we can turn our grief and tragedy to triumph of saving even one life, it will be worthwhile. Conversations I had with other local stakeholders like the Mental Health Association in Niagara County and the Niagara County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services led to the planning of this event. While we are hosting it at Colonial Heights Free Methodist Church, it is really meant for anyone in the community that wants to attend.”

The mission of The Mental Health Association in Niagara County is to promote mental wellness by sponsoring and implementing advocacy, education and community service programs.