NEW YORK STATE LANDMARKS TO BE ILLUMINATED TEAL AND PURPLE TO MARK SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH IN SEPTEMBER
Solemn Recognition Coincides with $5 Million Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Statewide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – The state Office of Mental Health today announced that bridges and landmarks across New York will be lit in purple and teal tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 18, to mark Suicide Prevention Month. The lighting coincides with efforts the agency is undertaking to connect New Yorkers with mental health resources, including a year-long public awareness campaign focused on the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
“The best way to prevent suicide is to ask for help early if you’re feeling down, depressed, or troubled,” Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “And the best way to do that is to call 988. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we continue our work to ensure that all New Yorkers feel they can get the help they need when and where they need it.”
The bridges and landmarks to be lit in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month include:
- 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
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
- Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Suicide claims the lives of roughly 1,700 individuals annually in New York. It is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the age of 25 and 34, and the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults between the age of 10 and 24.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides a connection to trained crisis counselors who can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress to receive personal support, get immediate help and connect with follow up services. Supported in all 62 counties statewide, the service is free, confidential, impartial, and can be accessed 24 hours a day and seven days per week.
New York’s ongoing $5 million public awareness campaign features the slogan, ‘We Hear You,’ and is aimed at encouraging more New Yorkers to use 988 whenever they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The campaign includes ads that focus on distinct populations that could benefit from 988 but had lower recognition of this service in focus groups, including first responders, and health care professionals; school-aged youth and college students; and Black, Latina and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ads are now being featured on multiple platforms, including social media; billboards, signage on college campuses and at events; during sporting events; on traditional television and radio; and on other digital platforms, such as streaming music and video services. During the first two weeks of the campaign, more than 21 million ad impressions were delivered, with roughly 25,000 individuals visiting the new 988 website to learn more information about this important resource.
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