The Cortland County Health Department, County Mental Health, and SPEAK UP Cortland Suicide Prevention Coalition are reminding Cortland residents of the resources available to them, or someone they know, who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
“Suicidal thoughts can be reduced with proper mental health support and treatment, and are not weaknesses or flaws. If you feel that someone you know is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide, this will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide. Take all talk and their response seriously. A person who is thinking about suicide is experiencing a life threatening health crisis.” The County Health Department Stated a Press Release.
The county urges residents to work with those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and to keep them away from lethal means including firearms and drugs. Make sure to also stay with them and call or text 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Hotlines are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential and is for anyone experiencing emotional distress, not just suicide.
Additional information on the Crisis Hotlines can be found below:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988, Veteran Crisis: 988 press 1
Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741
OASAS HOPEline: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY
NY State Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121
LGBTQ Trevor Project: Website click HERE, text START to 678-678.
Mental health treatment is also available within the county with agencies that can provide in-person or virtual mental health treatment for county residents. Those agencies are the Cortland County Mental Health Department Clinic at 7 Clayton Ave. Cortland (607-758-6100), and the Family & Children’s Counseling Services at 165 Main St. Cortland (607-753-0234).
