Supportive services are suicide prevention

At Evergreen, we understand the complexity of risk factors that may lead people to consider suicide, and we’re dedicated to finding ways to support and improve these circumstances. Although therapy and psychiatric care are key resources in preventing suicide, they’re not always enough to address the social and environmental factors that affect a person’s mental health. Having access to quality medical care, healthy nutrition, safe housing, transportation, stigma-free HIV care, non-judgmental drug user services, and gender-affirming care, are all part of suicide prevention.

Despite being one of the leading causes of death for all demographics, suicide is rarely talked about. According to the CDC, every eleven minutes someone dies from suicide in the United States. While suicide can affect anyone, some groups face intersecting health and social disparities that put them at a disproportionate risk of suicide.

According to the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State (SPCNY), Latinx, Black, and Indigenous populations all face significantly higher rates of suicide, and young people who identify as LGBTQ+ face higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers.  Creating environments where people can access the resources they need while feeling unconditionally supported and not judged is a key part of suicide prevention.

Evergreen’s harm reduction model means that our patients set their own goals and direct their own care, and that we don’t force them to do or be anything. Our services are stigma-free, from our syringe exchange program to STI testing. People who use drugs or have chronic health conditions face higher risk for suicide: we welcome everyone and offer specialized services for those who use drugs or are living with HIV or Hepatitis C.

Supportive services like those offered in our THRIVE Wellness program offer people who are at risk of suicide a place to build community in a group that’s focused on addressing emotional, nutritional, physical and social needs. Some THRIVE activities include art therapy and guided imagery, diabetes education, healthy lunches, cooking demonstrations and yoga. THRIVE is available to any patient of Evergreen’s primary care or specialty care – ask your provider for a referral to get enrolled.

The CDC agrees that access to economic support including financial security, healthy nutrition and stable housing are key factors in preventing suicide. We know that these needs must be addressed before other mental health services like counseling and psychiatry can be effective.

Our food pantries in Buffalo provide eligible patients and community members with a three-day supply of food, and our nutrition classes teach patients living with chronic illness how to give their bodies the best nourishment for their unique health goals. Transportation assistance is available for qualified patients, and our housing staff can help qualified patients find safe and stable housing.

Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 40% of transgender adults reported having made at least one suicide attempt, according to The Trevor Project. Evergreen is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals that was founded in response to the AIDS crisis that disproportionately affected members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, we remain committed to providing compassionate and non-judgmental care that decreases the risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ patients, including gender-affirming care and transition resources, and community support through our affiliate the Pride Center of Western New York.

We decrease our patients’ risk of suicide by providing supportive services in an unconditionally affirming and stigma-free environment, which creates space for our trauma-informed and culturally competent mental health care providers to further support patients in meeting their mental health goals.

We talk about suicide because it affects so many people we care about, and we’re committed to providing resources to people who have suicidal thoughts or intentions. Evergreen’s mission of fostering healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral services to those underserved by the healthcare system relates directly to suicide prevention: housing is suicide prevention. Nutrition is suicide prevention. Unconditional care is suicide prevention.

Crisis hotline numbers

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Keep these numbers on hand for immediate 24/7 support in case of a mental health emergency.

988 is an easy-to-remember number that you can call or text in a mental health crisis to get connected with a trained and caring counselor. You can use 988 for thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis, or emotional distress. 988 is free and available to everyone.

Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org

The Trevor Project offers a 24/7 crisis line especially for LGBTQ+ youth, who face an especially high risk of suicide.

Trevor Project Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth: text “START” to 678.678 or call 866.488.7386

The Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 support with volunteer crisis counselors via text.

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741.741