Suicide prevention

Students and staff at Riverhead High School donned purple and adorned school grounds with messages of support and love Friday during the school’s annual 'P.S. I Love You Day' event.

Youth mental health services are needed now more than ever, say state legislators who are pushing to re-establish funding for the North Fork Mental Health Coalition, which was cut from the state budget in 2020. S

Kids throughout the Riverhead school district wore purple and spread positive messages in the hope of stopping bullying and preventing suicide.

“We are committed to bringing mental health awareness and suicide prevention training to Long Island schools, colleges, universities, community groups, and local corporations." The Long Island chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention raised over $30,000 with its first East End walk in Riverhead yesterday.

Funding of $175,000 for a newly established coalition will ensure that a plan is in place to immediately support young people in a time of crisis, and build a local support network equipped to deliver immediate, affordable follow up services, Sen. Ken LaValle said.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24. Kids need to feel safe talking to parents or other adults about the issue. It's important to ask, listen and take them seriously, according to the director of Response of Suffolk County, which runs a 24/7 crisis hotline.