September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Many have lost family or friends to suicide or know someone who has. There has also been an increase in teen and young adult suicide nationally.

 

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, in partnership with Ardent Solutions, we will be hosting two virtual sessions of Talk Saves Lives on September 23. If you would like to attend, please visit www.sthcs.org.

 

We also look forward to hosting a group of EMS providers in our first class of Mental Health First Aid. Providing this critical course in our area was made possible by The John R. Oishei Foundation.

 

Suicide is something that, unfortunately, touches each of us in some way, and we are making every effort to ensure resources and training are available for everyone in our community. 

I am happy to report that I have been selected to serve on the Fellows Action Network (FAN) Steering Committee. The role of the FAN Steering Committee is to represent the alumni of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWCNY) Health Leadership Fellows. With the goal of representing and being a voice for our rural areas of NY. The Committee will provide opportunity for conversation and connection throughout the Western and Central New York area. 
 
I am excited to serve on this Steering Committee and look forward to work with other members for the Health Leadership Fellows program in the future!