The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) Deputy Director Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced today the launch of the “You Matter!” Coffee Sleeve Campaign as one of several Suicide Prevention Month Activities organized by the Department in collaboration with the Niagara County Suicide Prevention Coalition (NCSPC).
This is the third year of partnering with local coffee shops, stops and convenience stores to distribute coffee sleeves with their hot beverages featuring:
Niagara County 24-Hour Crisis Line: (716) 285-3515- National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Message: “You Matter!”- QR Code directing the community to the Well Niagara app’s corresponding webpage to learn how to download the app or to utilize the site to find valuable information on local supports and resources.
“Raising visibility for crisis support can make a real difference,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH Director, “Engaging local businesses and the community as a whole in this effort shows people care and helps reduce stigma around the topic of mental health. This simple yet powerful initiative can help save a life!”
“Suicide prevention includes a range of activities” said Gibbons Doxey, “such as showing a kind gesture, to taking a moment to ask someone if they are alright and listening to them, to ensuring someone has their basic needs met, to picking up the phone and calling for emergency help when it’s needed. We can all play an active role in preventing suicide. This coffee sleeve campaign can help start a great conversation.”
The community can help Niagara County reach Zero Suicides by participating in this simple initiative and collectively making a positive impact in the lives of thousands in our community.
Almost 13,000 coffee sleeves have been distributed to the following participating businesses:
- Alternative Grounds at 17 Main St., Middleport, NY
- Craft Coffee House at 6612 Campbell Blvd, Pendleton, NY
- Crosby’s Inc. at 1651 Quaker Rd, Barker, NY
- Crosby’s Inc. at 7953 Rochester Rd., Gasport, NY
- Crosby’s Inc. at 110 Telegraph Rd., Middleport, NY
- Donut Kraze at 129 Main St., Tonawanda, NY
- F-Bites at 310 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY
- Freedom Church at 5676 Beattie Rd, Lockport, NY
- Gypsy Kitchen, 5881 S. Transit Rd., Lockport, NY
- Lockport Memorial Hospital at 6001 Shimer Dr., Lockport, NY
- Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital at 5300 Military Rd., Lewiston, NY
- Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center at 621 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, NY
- Niagara Wheatfield School at 2292 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY
- Orange Cat at 703 Center St., Lewiston, NY
- Steamworks Coffee Roasters at 51 Canal St., Lockport, NY
- Village Bake Shoppe at 417 Center St., Lewiston, NY
Why It Matters:
Suicide affects every community. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can experience suicidal thoughts, and although discussing this topic can be challenging, engaging in open and genuine conversations about suicide can enhance awareness and potentially save lives.
The NCSPC’s mission is to create and implement strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention through public education, enhanced access to services, and promoting awareness and support for our community members.
Data collected through the New York State Department of Health Connector shows the rate for suicide per 100,000 population in 2017-2019 for Niagara County was higher than several other NYS counties. Suicide affects individuals in Niagara County across age groups and genders and specifically impacts LGBTQ and rural communities.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the Niagara County Crisis Services 24-Hour phone line for free, confidential support, guidance, information, referral and interventions as needed at (716) 285-3515 or 988. There is Help; There Hope! Recovery is Possible.