GENESEO, N.Y., Sept. 3, 2025 – The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month, reaffirming the County’s commitment to raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and supporting residents affected by suicide and mental health challenges.
The local proclamation encourages residents to join together to break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health struggles. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The County recognizes Suicide Prevention Month every September to raise awareness about the role that prevention efforts play in saving lives.
“Livingston County is committed to recognizing the importance of mental wellness and the power of community support in suicide prevention,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair David LeFeber. “By strengthening access to food, housing, healthcare, and behavioral health supports, we’re addressing root causes and building a stronger safety net for all. Meeting those basic needs is a core part of our prevention efforts and we’re proud to help support our residents in need.”
Livingston County offers a range of programming for those experiencing mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide through the County’s office of Mental Health Services. The County-operated clinic, licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, provides teletherapy and in person access to psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, nurse practitioners, care managers, and counselors for children and adults who encounter mental health concerns such as stress, significant life-changing events, trauma and more. The clinic also offers walk in crisis appointments for those in immediate need of support.
“Mental health matters, help is available, no one has to face their struggles alone,” said Livingston County’s Director of Community Services Sarah McCumiskey. “Together we can save lives and foster hope.”
In the community, the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force will hold its annual candlelight vigil at Al Lorenz Park in Mount Morris on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. to honor and remember lives lost to suicide and overdose. All community members are welcome to attend the vigil. Organizers say the event will provide a space for reflection, hope, and community healing.
Livingston County Probation Director Lynne Mignemi is the chair of the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force. She emphasized the importance of meaningful connection and supporting people through all types of challenges when it comes to preventing suicide.
"Building capacity through hope is an important component in suicide prevention work,” she explained. “We build capacity through having caring conversations, referring those in crisis to trusted resources, and building opportunities to reduce isolation. The primary issue that prevents people from action in mental health conversations is stigma and fear. This September during Suicide Prevention Month, please consider educating yourself on the multitude of resources in our County and how to become comfortable having conversations about mental health wellness. The Livingston County Suicide Prevention members are always available for caring, education, and resource information. Reach out for hope. We are here."
Mignemi said the Task Force also champions Lock and Talk Livingston, a prevention program that promotes safe storage of firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items during times of crisis. The initiative provides gun owners and retailers with suicide awareness training, free gun locks and medication lock boxes, and disposal pouches for unused medications.
Throughout the month, several local libraries will host free Veteran Affairs S.A.V.E. training sessions. The in-person events will share strategies to reduce suicide risk, raise awareness about mental health crises, and teach participants how to apply the S.A.V.E. model when helping someone in distress.
If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support through the Lifeline is also available via live chat.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.