Every September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but the time to discuss mental health and self-harm is constant. Last Sunday, the Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center brought together community members, families and advocates to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.
The LICC held its 18th annual suicide awareness walk on the Laurelton Boulevard boardwalk, with more than 300 participants — nearly double last year’s attendance. The event serves as a fundraiser to maintain free services and programs. “That includes our hotlines and community education programs,” said Cynthia Ramasaran, walk coordinator for the LICC. “We have community educators go into schools across Nassau and Suffolk to talk about suicide prevention, mental health and cyberbullying.” Ramasaran explained that 93 cents of every dollar raised is used for programs and services.
The Michael Berube Foundation was honored with the LICC’s Person of the Year award for their tireless advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention. Neila Berube, Michael’s mother and founder of the organization, accepted the award. “Being here, and being able to bring people from our community who maybe wouldn’t have known about this event, it makes a difference in terms of increasing awareness and presence,” Berube explained. “Hopefully all of these events will grow and grow. We sponsored this event last year and we’ve walked the last few years. This is the first year we’re being honored which is really incredible.”
In her acceptance speech, Berube explained one of the goals of the Michael Berube Foundation and its annual Sunset Color Run. “We’ve created a space where it’s OK to talk about mental health,” Berube said. “Where we can teach our children, girls and boys alike, that it’s OK to talk about feelings. Where we understand the importance of asking for help when we need it and where we remind ourselves how crucial it is to reach out to others. Because, as we know, we don’t always know when someone else is struggling.”
If you want to talk to someone about mental health care or self-harm urges, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and receive judgment-free care from a live counselor, available 24/7.
