National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

Lifeline Chat

Your life matters

Nationally

  • Each year more than 33,000 Americans die by suicide.
  • An estimated 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.
  • Men are about four times more likely than women to die by suicide, but three times more women than men report attempting suicide.

In New York

  • Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in New York.
  • On average one person dies by suicide every 5 hours in NYS.
  • More than twice as many people die by suicide in NY annually than by homicide.

In Lewis County

At 20.6 per 100,000 (2014-2016), Lewis County has the second highest rate of suicide in New York State.

Source: NYS PREVENTION AGENDA

About Us

The Lewis County Suicide Prevention Coalition was formed in 2013 and functions as an entirely volunteer organization. Members are working to partner with the community to take an active role in suicide prevention. Through working together our goal is to provide training to the community in suicide prevention and work to coordinate suicide prevention resources. We are a group of professionals and community members who have come together to minimize the impact of suicide on the people and communities of Lewis County.

North Country Suicide Prevention Coalition - Jeff, Lewis, and SLC

Looking for events? Check out our calendar.

Upcoming Events

Join Our Efforts

There are two ways you can be involved in our Coalition: as a participating member or a supporting member. Participating members committ to attend monthly meetings, contribute to the decision making process and assist with community outreach.

Supporting members are kept up to date on Coalition activities and are welcome to attend meetings at any time.

For more information about the Coalition:
Lewis County Public Health 315-376-5453

Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3:00PM. Meetings are CURRENTLY BEING HELD VIRTUALLY DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. Please email Anna Platz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information. 

Research shows that most people who attempt suicide demonstrate some warning signs of their intent to hurt themselves or end their lives prior to the attempt.

If you are concerned—ASK.

What if someone in my life is suicidal?

Because most of us do not have experience talking about suicide it may seem awkward or difficult but you can save a life by being direct and connecting the person you care about to resources. Attempt to plan a time to talk in private and be prepared to listen more than talk.

If you ask someone if they are thinking about suicide and they say “yes”, you must do something to help them.

Questions to consider

“You mentioned you wish you could disappear. Sometimes when people are this upset they wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you are feeling that way?”

“Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”

“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

“Given things you have said lately I am worried. Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

These questions may sound direct, but that is important. The most important step is to ASK.

What to Do

  • Listen to how they are feeling. Give your full attention. Try not to interrupt.
  • Encourage them to connect to help.
  • Questions to consider: “Will you go with me to see a counselor/minister/professional?” OR “Will you let me help you make an appointment with…” OR “Will you let me go get…”
  • If they refuse to accept help you can call 911 and explain that you need emergency medical assistance. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Where to Call For Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicide crisis, please call 911 or one of the following suicide crisis hotline numbers and get help immediately:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY line: 800-799-4889

Lifeline Chat

Behavioral Health and Wellness Center

Crisis Line Services are available 24 hours a day.

315-376-5450 M-F 8-4:30pm 
315-405-0696 for evening hours and weekends.

Roger Breisch: Finding Life on the Suicide Hotline at South Lewis High School

Roger Breisch has counseled thousands of people on suicide hotlines over 15 years. In March 2018 he brought his message of hope and grace to students at South Lewis (NY) High School.

Contact Us

For more information about the Coalition, please use the contact information below. This is NOT a crisis line! If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicide crisis, please call 911 or one of the above suicide crisis hotline numbers to get help immediately!

Monday—Friday
8:30AM—4:30PM

315-376-5453
*This is NOT a crisis line*

Contact Us

Lewis County
Suicide Prevention Coalition