Members of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team are leading an effort to promote suicide prevention through heartfelt, creative chalk messages on the sidewalks around UHS Binghamton General Hospital and UHS Wilson Medical Center.
A community-wide event called “Chalk the Walk . . . Have the Talk” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, at UHS Binghamton General Hospital and UHS Wilson Medical Center.
UHS staff and people from the community will gather at the times of their choosing between 10 and 2 to draw positive messages and images that speak to suicide awareness and prevention.
You are invited to participate as you have time during the day to show your support and commitment to suicide awareness in our community.
On September 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., chalking packages will be available at both UHS Binghamton General Hospital and UHS Wilson Medical Center in support of mental health and suicide awareness and prevention. At UHS Binghamton General Hospital, chalk packages will be provided at the main entrance, and representatives from the UHS Mobile Crisis Program will be on hand to encourage artistic expression and welcome discussions with anyone who feels like talking. At UHS Wilson Medical Center, other representatives from the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team will host an informational table on the 1st floor of the Gateway Building. They will provide resources focused on mental health, suicide awareness and prevention, as well as chalking materials. There will be space on the sidewalk outside of Gateway for anyone interested in chalking.
If you are looking for chalk anytime throughout National Suicide Prevention time, chalk will be available at 40 Mitchell ave/Gastro entrance, or you can reach out directly to the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team @ 607-762-2809.
The hope is that, the more we can openly discuss the topic of suicide, the greater chance we have of reducing the stigma surrounding it.
On the day of the event, if you and your department participate, you can send photos to UHS Communication & Marketing for inclusion on a UHS social media post. You can reach them via email at Communications.Marketing@nyuhs.org.
To be considered for a prize, enter your chalk art online at www.broomehashope.org.
The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Broome County Suicide Awareness for Everyone (BC SAFE), along with other community agencies, are spearheading upcoming events that aim to connect people to engage in deeper conversations while supporting each other.
The goal is to seek out help to strengthen mental health and prevent suicide.
National Suicide Prevention Week is observed this year from Sept. 10th to 20th, with activities planned throughout the month locally in the community as well as globally.