WHO WE ARE

GOW Pathway to Hope

The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition was born over a series of lunches in 2018. The geographic proximity and similarities of our three counties, in addition to the reality that the coordinators truly enjoy spending time together, led to the formation of our first event “A Helping of Hope” Awareness Breakfast.

When the state announced grant funding, a tri-county project seemed a natural fit. GOW Pathway to Hope was born in January 2019 with the award of funds for a three-year, tri-county educational campaign focused on #BeThe1To. Today the group is comprised of community members and local professionals with a shared vision and mission for suicide prevention: to promote a healthier and safer community by supporting emotional wellness.

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Our Mission

The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming County Pathway to Hope is dedicated to providing suicide awareness, training, prevention and postvention strategies for individuals, families, schools and organizations in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, New York.

THOSE AT RISK

Rural Community Members

Suicide rates across age, gender and ethnicity are higher in rural areas, and rural men are twice as likely to complete suicide than those in urban areas. We know that rural areas are underserved by mental health providers, and that stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health services can be worse in rural areas. Many times, those living in rural areas have difficulty accessing treatment due to lack of providers, transportation and cost. (Source, Mental Health First Aid USA)

Firearms Owners

Half of all completed suicides use a firearm as a method. In rural areas, this number climbs to three-quarters. Suicide attempts by those who use a firearm are more likely to be fatal than suicide attempts by other means. Access to firearms is a risk factor for suicide. According to the Harvard School of Public Health “it is the combination of firearms high lethality and irreversibility that puts suicidal individuals living in home with firearms at greater risk”.

Seniors

Older adults account for almost 20% of suicide deaths in the U.S. The risk of suicide for an older person increases as they age. The suicide rate for seniors may even be underreported, due to older adults choosing methods such as overdoses, starvation and dehydration. Seniors may be at higher risk due to a greater incident of stressful life changes such as retirement, failing health or death of a spouse.

Middle Age Men

Middle-aged men (ages 35-64) have the highest suicide rate in the United States. Men are more likely than women to choose firearms as a method to complete suicide, and are less likely to seek help for mental illness than women. Men at this age are particularly at risk due to loss: of a job, of health, or a relationship. These men may also be involved with the criminal justice system, or have alcohol or substance abuse problems. (Source, AFSP, SPRC)

Veterans

Suicide rates among veterans are higher than that of the general population for both men and women. Although veterans are only 8% of the US population, they account for more than 14% of all suicides in this county. A commonly quoted statistic is that more than 20 Veterans in the United States complete suicide every day. A veteran’s suicide risk is more than 50% greater than that of the general population, and their rate of depression is five times higher. (Source: Veteran’s Administration, Mental Health First Aid USA).

First Responders

First responders, such as fire personnel and EMTs and paramedics experience a great deal of job-related exposures to trauma that can lead to increased risk of mental health concerns such as PTSD, and higher risk of death by suicide. In rural areas, first responders are commonly community volunteers. These people may be personally affected when responding to a disaster or other emergency, and may be personally acquainted with the individuals they treat. Research suggests that first responders may be at higher risk for suicide than the general population. (Source: SPRC, SAMHSA)

Teens and Young Adults

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages (10-34). The risk is greater among LGBTQ youth. The risk increases if there are firearms in the home. Suicide by overdose is also common among teens. Teens who are experiencing a mental health problem, or who are experiencing life stressors such as divorce, moving, or bullying are also at greater risk of suicide. (Source: CDC, Kids Health).

KNOW THE SIGNS

Keeps to themselves; isolation

Nervous or anxious

Order; puts affairs in order

Withdrawn from family and friends

Talking, thinking, or writing about death, dying or suicide

Helplessness and hopelessness

Experiences mood changes

Substance abuse

Impulsiveness; takes unnecessary risks

Guilt; talks about being a burden

No reason to live; no goals

Seeking access to firearms or other lethal means

Take it Seriously

Dial 988

or Text 741741

EDUCATION

If there is a training or workshop you do not see listed, please contact us at gowpathwaytohope@gmail.com.

Talk Saves Lives

A brief, one hour training developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discusses the latest research on suicide and prevention, educates participants on risk factors, common warning signs of suicide and how to keep our communities safe.

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact us here.

QPR

QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, encompasses three straightforward steps that anyone can master to potentially save a life from suicide. Similar to how individuals trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver contribute to saving countless lives annually, those who undergo QPR training acquire the skills to identify the warning signs of a suicide crisis and effectively question, persuade, and refer individuals in need of assistance. The QPR methodology can be learned in our Gatekeeper course, which takes as little as one hour to complete.

As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper, you will gain the ability to:

  • Identify the warning signs associated with suicide
  • Provide hope to those in distress
  • Access resources to help save a life

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact us here.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact the Wyoming County Mental Health Department at (585) 786-8871

VA S.A.V.E

VA S.A.V.E. Training is a free, 60 minutes virtual or in-person course that will help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:

Know the Signs that indicate a Veteran might be thinking about suicide, Ask the most important question of all — “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Validate the Veteran’s experience, Encourage treatment and expedite getting help.

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact us here.

Lock & Talk

Lock & Talk is:

  • a two-part call to action: lethal means safety and communication/connection
  • facilitated by GOW Pathway to Hope, modeled after Lock & Talk Virginia

Our goal is to reduce access to lethal means and prevent suicide through intentional conversations and tangible resources. If you are interested in a 30-60 minute Lethal Means Safety training for your organization, agency, or business in the GOW region, please contact us. Once your staff has been trained, you will receive tangible materials to include medication lock boxes and cable gun locks to distribute to individuals you serve that may be at risk of suicide.

If you are a community member and are interested in lethal means safety resources such as a medication mail-back envelope, cable gun locks, or a medication lockbox among other resources, please contact us to arrange a time to retrieve materials.

Firearm Safety for Suicide Prevention Workshop

This 75 minute workshop is intended for individuals to learn basic information about firearms and firearm storage options and the connection between firearms and suicide risk. They will also develop skills to communicate with loved ones about increasing secure firearm storage to prevent suicide. This workshop is presented by Firearm Expert and a Suicide Prevention Expert and is offered virtually or in person.

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact us here.

New York State 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They can help anyone:

  • thinking about suicide
  • struggling with substance use
  • experiencing a mental health crisis
  • any kind of emotional distress.

You can also call, text or chat 988 if you are worried about someone you care about who may need crisis support.

Need Help Now? Dial or text 988 or chat online

NATIONAL HOTLINES

National Suicide Hotline

1-800-273-8255

National Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

De Habla Española Línea de Suicidio

1-800-784-2432 (1-800-SUICIDA)
Spanish-Speaking Suicide Hotline

CONTACT US

DO NOT use this contact form if you are in crisis.

 

In that event, call 988 or 585-283-5200,

If this is an emergency, call 911.
You may also use the Crisis Text Line: Text “HELP” to 741741.

Send Message

GET CONNECTED

If you are interested in being a part of the coalition contact us at HERE
Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Personal blog / website
Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Personal blog / website
Wyoming County Suicide Prevention Coalition
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STAY CONNECTED