Westchester Exec Jenkins Hosts Roundtable Discussion To Promote 988 Suicide And Crisis Lifeline

Press release from the Westchester County Government:

In recognition of the month of September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, County Executive Ken Jenkins held a roundtable discussion with advocates, business leaders and non-profit groups to help promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Westchester. The 988 Call Center, operated in partnership between Westchester County and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, provides free and confidential emotional support to people in crisis or emotional distress 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The roundtable created an opportunity for leaders from a variety of sectors to exchange ideas, share resources, and discuss best practices to expand the reach of 988 across the County. Participants focused on the importance of coordinating outreach, and unifying messaging to ensure that more people are aware of this lifesaving service.

Jenkins said: “Having the 988 Call Center right here in Westchester County has proven to be a significant help to thousands of people, with the Call Center receiving nearly 18,000 calls in 2024 alone. Yet, we have found that many people across the County are not aware of these services. My office is making a major effort to educate the public that 988 exists, and that it can save lives.”

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Michael Orth said: “I want to thank the County Executive for hosting this roundtable that brought together key stakeholders to learn more about the 988 crisis line and ways that we can work together to inform the residents of Westchester of this life saving and important program. Today’s meeting began a dialogue and put us on a path to explore opportunities to educate the public at places they frequent on a daily basis. The 988 Lifeline gives people the opportunity to reach out for help no matter the crisis that they face. Whether it is a family issue, anxiety, stress, bullying, substance use or thinking about self-harm, the 988 call center is local, free and confidential to anyone who uses it. I look forward to further conversations that open up new ideas that will reach across the County and ensure that people know that there is hope and there is help out there.”

This press release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.