[MEDIA RELEASE]

MAYVILLE – Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities. Uncovering the reasons for an individual suicide death is complex and challenging.  Suicide deaths are usually not precipitated by one cause only.

If you suspect someone may be at risk for suicide, take it seriously. Fifty to 75 percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention in some way; sometimes it can be obvious but other times we might need to be aware of more subtle signs. Ask the person questions. Begin by telling the person that you feel is at risk that you are concerned about them. Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.  Do not be afraid to use the word suicide; asking directly about suicide is important in prevention. Many times a person who is thinking of suicide wants someone to listen to the pain that they are experiencing.

Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know you care, they are not alone and they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.” And finally, actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a medical professional in their community and schedule an appointment.  If you are concerned that the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461.

Social media also offers resources to help. For example, when someone is talking or posting about suicide on Facebook, please report the post by selecting the option, ‘I think it shouldn’t be on Facebook,’ then select, ‘It’s threatening, violent or suicidal,’ and then the option, ‘Self-injury or suicide.’ You will then be able to select an option including support to your friend, reach out to a friend you trust, receive tips from suicide prevention experts on how to help, or you can select to have Facebook review the post.

“We want to stress that there is a lot of help and supports in our community,” said Victoria Patti, Coordinator of the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “It is better to report the concern to a medical professional or call 911, than to do nothing at all or think someone else will do it. Community members need to understand and know the warning signs of suicide and be brave enough to ask the question, ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’ Those that are thinking of suicide may just want to be heard and their pain to be understood.  Taking the time to ask more questions and being open to hearing a person’s story can be what someone needs to take that step to receive help or other supports.  Take all warning signs seriously and please reach out hand; you may save a life.”

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services Patricia Brinkman also want to stress that suicide prevention and awareness is an important topic for community conversations and that there is help in the community.

“It is so important that we talk about these concerns and don’t brush them aside and hope they go away” said Brinkman. “We need to create a community culture in which we feel comfortable in talking about mental health openly and honestly in order to receive the support and resources necessary to work towards wellness. There is still stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and we hope to break this stigma by continuing out awareness and prevention efforts.”

“We all must recognize the many life struggles individuals may face, and it is important that everyone in our communities is aware of the warning signs of suicide and the resources available,” said Borrello. “By lending a hand or a listening ear, reminding someone they are not alone, providing information about available support services, and reaching out with kindness to someone who you believe is at risk of suicide are ways we can help these individuals receive the assistance they need to find a better, healthier solution to the personal issues that may be troubling them.”

Knowing the warning signs of suicide could be potentially lifesaving for an individual in crisis. They are as follows:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, seek help. Resources are available. However, if in a serious emergency, dial 911 immediately.

“There are also supports in the community for those who have experienced personal loss due to suicide,” said Annie Rosenthal, PR Coordinator at Chautauqua Tapestry.  “The Survivors of Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group offers community members a safe space to share with others their experiences and who are feeling similar emotions of loss.”

The Survivors of Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group resumes on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care in Lakewood.

The group is facilitated by Carri Raynor, who is a suicide loss survivor and has been trained by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Bereavement Group Facilitation. This support group is collaboration among Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, and The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. For more information about the group, email Carri Raynor at carriraynor@gmail.com.

Local Community Mental Health Resources:

• Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team, 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and  24 hours on weekends and holidays, accessed through the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline
• Chautauqua County Mental Health Clinics, Jamestown: (716) 661-8330, Dunkirk: (716) 363-3550
• UPMC Chautauqua Outpatient Mental Health Program, Dunkirk: (716) 664-8641
• The Resource Center Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 661-1590, Dunkirk: (716) 366-7660
• Hospice Chautauqua County Bereavement Services (all ring into the administrative offices), Jamestown/Lakewood: (716) 338-0033, Dunkirk/Fredonia: (716) 672-6944, Mayville: (716) 753-5383
• Mental Health Association Support and Linkages: (716) 661-9044

National Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

In addition, state with the lowest gun suicide rates have lower rates of gun ownership and some of the strongest gun violence prevention laws in the nation.

The VPC analysis refers to gun suicide rates in 2016, the most recent year for which data is available.

The states with the highest per capita gun suicide rate in 2016 were:

1. Montana – 15.54 (per 100,000)
2. Alaska -15.23
3. Wyoming – 14.86
4. Oklahoma – 13.18
5. West Virginia – 13.00

The states with the lowest gun suicide rate in the nation were:

1. New Jersey – 1.97 (per 100,000)
2. Massachusetts – 2.06
3. New York – 2.48
4. Hawaii – 2.59
5. Connecticut – 3.08
6. According to the analysis, each of these states has strong gun violence prevention laws and a lower rate of gun ownership.

The nationwide gun suicide rate in 2016 was 7.10 per 100,000, an increase of 3.5 percent from 2015’s gun suicide rate of 6.86 per 100,000.

As for the overall suicide rate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the lowest suicide rate among the 50 states are:

1. New Jersey – 7.2 (per 100,000)
2. New York – 8.1
3. Massachusetts – 8.8
4. Maryland – 9.4
5. Connecticut – 10.1

The highest rate is found in:

1. Montana – 25.9
2. Alaska – 25.8
3. Wyoming –  25.2
4. New Mexico – 22.5
5. Utah – 21.8

JAMESTOWN – More than a dozen people addressed the Jamestown School Board on Tuesday night as the issue of bullying took center stage.

Community members were on hand to address the issue in the wake of two recent suicides in the community, one that involved a 13-year-old student and another that involved a recent graduate of Jamestown High School. Both incidents were blamed on chronic bullying.

One of those who spoke was the aunt of the 14-year-old student who recently attempted to take her own life, was hospitalized, and eventually died due to complications connected to the incident. She said it was brought on by relentless bullying both inside and outside of school.

The aunt of a Jamestown High School student who took her own life due to chronic bullying addresses the Jamestown School Board during a meeting on Oct. 10, 2017.

“I just had to bury my 14-year-old niece, that’s been more like more daughter the last 10 years,” the aunt said. “I think the school board maybe needs to do more to punish these children that are doing the bullying. I have tons of evidence that has been sent to me the past week from the kids who attacked her over social media. They had been relentless with it.”

The aunt also said that the school district needs to do more to punish those who bully other students in order to prevent other incidents from taking place.

“I don’t know if she brought anything to the attention of the school, but she probably felt the only way to get away from them was to end her life, which is not fair to me and not fair to her 10-year-old sister that is here,” the aunt said. “It’s not fair to my parents or any of my family that we have to struggle daily and go through the pain of realizing that she’s not coming home. I just would like to see something more done with these kids than just being suspended, because that’s not enough.”

Another parent who spoke said her junior high school daughter is also being bullied both at school an online, through the use of an anonymous mobile app that kids are using on their phones. She said that when she tried to bring it to the attention of the principal at Washington School, she was instead referred to a guidance counselor.

“These issues shouldn’t just be brought to the counselors. It’s a school issue,” she said. “Parents need to be at an assembly with their children. There’s too many people letting their kids sit and be on their phone all day, every day. We need to have some kind of awareness, letting parents know they should let those kids have time out. They don’t need technology all day, every day.”

And yet another parent, Katina Glenn, who lost her daughter to suicide a couple years ago, said she urged Jamestown High School to have an assembly to address the issue, but that never happened.

“I came here last year to talk with JHS principal Dr. McElrath about doing an assembly on suicide awareness and prevention and it kind of got pushed aside due to, I feel, Jamestown football. And no offense to Jamestown football, but there’s more important things in the community that need to be addressed, which is bullying, domestic violence, suicide awareness, and prevention and it should be in the schools at all times, not just once a year,” Glenn said.

The Jamestown School Board during its Oct. 10, 2017 meeting.

Several others who spoke, including former students who recently graduated, shared their own personal accounts of bullying at Jamestown.

Following the comments, School board president Paul Abbott and school superintendent Bret Apthorpe both thanked those who spoke and said the district will be looking into ways to address the bullying issue and provide a safe place for all students.

Abbott also admitted that it may be a challenge to try and enforce any type of policy regarding the use of technology like mobile phone apps to bully another students, it is something the district will be looking into.

“I’m very naive as to how to get after something like that but this is something that Dr. Apthorpe and I have had a number of conversations about in the last few weeks, as well as other school board members,” Abbott said. “Whether it is this or any issue, when it comes to student safety and the safety of our staff, there is nothing that is more important to us.”

Apthorpe echoed Abbott’s sentiments and said that the district will be looking into ways to reduce bullying.

“This is one of those things where if it was something we could fix, like a roof or window or a building, we’d fix it and we’d fix it in spades. I think these testimonials today give us the soul food for us to continue our work around student safety,” Apthorpe said. “Our principals and directors got together and are trying to figure out how to systemically reach out to kids and have them report bullying in an anonymous fashion.”

Apthorpe also said that one of the steps that has been taken is the creation of an online form to better help students report bullying as part of the districts effort to be in compliance with the state’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which includes a phone line that allows students and parents to report bullying incidents anonymously at each school in the district.

“This is anonymous place for kids or adults to report bullying. What I like about this is, over the short-run, is I see it and the principals see it… We can see how many complaints are being submitted but more importantly, we can see if there if follow up to it,” Apthorpe said. “I feel good about this because I know I can hold people accountable to make sure a caring adult has connected with a child, and that’s a first start. It was rolled out last week… There’s an enormous amount of work here to do. I’ll certainly get back to the board on the reporting that we have. We have a lot to do on this topic for sure.”

The residents will be on hand to raise awareness about a recent suicide that took place in Jamestown by a student who was reported by another local news agency to be enrolled in the school district. The group also plans to voice its concerns to the school district regarding what they feel is a lack of intervention when it comes to bullying and harassment, which can take place both inside city schools, as well as outside of school, including via social media.

According to a public event listing on Facebook entitled “Jamestown School Board – Suicide Awareness,” the host of the event listing states that “This is the time to show the school board this isn’t going away. [Board Members] cannot continue to allow the superintendent to deflect the issues at hand.”

The group does not specifically indicate in the event details what they believe the school superintendent, Bret Apthorpe, is deflecting.

On Tuesday, Oct. 3,  Apthorpe took part in an interview with WRFA and students in a high school government and economics class, and the issue of cyberbullying came up during the discussion.

“We have a 1-800 phone line. It’s called the DASA phone line,” Apthorpe explained to the class. “It’s meant for kids and families to call and report those things. They can do it anonymously. We can then have our councilors go out, check on a student, and make sure they are doing okay.”

DASA stands for the New York State Dignity for All Students Act, which states:

“No student shall be subjected to harassment or bullying by employees or students on school property or at a school function; nor shall any student be subjected to discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.”

The school district has more information regarding its DASA policy, as well as numbers to call, posted on its website.

The Jamestown Board of Education will meeting will take place Tuesday, at 6 p.m. at Jamestown High School Auditorium. That meeting is open to the public and public comment will be allowed.  Those anyone wishing to speak to the school board must arrive prior to the start of the meeting and sign up as a speaker.

For individuals who are considering harm to themselves or who know someone who may be considering it, they can call the 24/7 National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In a media release sent out on Wednesday, health officials say suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities. Uncovering the reason for an individual suicide death is complex and challenging.

Health officials also say that if you suspect someone may be at risk for suicide, take it seriously. Fifty to seventy-five percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention. Ask the person questions. Begin by telling the person that you feel is at risk that you are concerned about them. Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.

Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know you care, they are not alone and they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.” And finally, actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a medical professional in their community and schedule an appointment.  If you are concerned that the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461.

Social media also offers resources to help. For example, when someone is talking or posting about suicide on Facebook, please report the post by selecting the option, ‘I think it shouldn’t be on Facebook,’ then select, ‘It’s threatening, violent or suicidal,’ and then the option, ‘Self-injury or suicide.’ You will then be able to select an option including support to your friend, reach out to a friend you trust, receive tips from suicide prevention experts on how to help, or you can select to have Facebook review the post.

“We want to stress that there is help in our community,” said Victoria Patti, Coordinator of the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “It is better to report the concern to a medical professional or call 911, than to do nothing at all or think someone else will do it. Community members need to understand and know the warning signs of suicide and be brave enough to ask the question, ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’ Those that are thinking of suicide may just want to be heard and their pain to be understood.  Take all warning signs seriously and please reach out a hand; you may save a life.”

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Department of Mental Hygiene Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services Patricia Brinkman also stress that suicide prevention and awareness is an important topic for community conversations and there is help in the community.

“It is so important that we talk about these concerns and don’t brush them aside and hope they go away,” said Brinkman. “We need to create a community culture in which we feel comfortable in talking about mental health openly and honestly in order to receive the support and resources necessary to work towards wellness. There is still stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and we hope to break this stigma by continuing our awareness and prevention efforts.”

“This is a serious problem we are aggressively addressing through continued trainings and other community supports available to anyone,” said Horrigan. “Help is here for anyone dealing with severe depression or life threatening behavioral health issues.”

Knowing the warning signs of suicide could be potentially lifesaving for an individual in crisis. They are as follows:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, seek help. Resources are available. However, if in a serious emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Local Community Mental Health Resources:

• Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team, 5 p.m. – 9 a.m., 24 hour weekends and holidays, accessed through the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline
• Chautauqua County Mental Health Clinics, Jamestown: (716) 661-8330, Dunkirk: (716) 363-3550
• UPMC Chautauqua WCA Outpatient Mental Health Program, Dunkirk: (716) 664-8641
• The Resource Center Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 661-1590, Dunkirk: (716) 366-7660
• Hospice Chautauqua County Bereavement Services (all ring into the administrative offices), Jamestown/Lakewood: (716) 338-0033, Dunkirk/Fredonia: (716) 672-6944, Mayville: (716) 753-5383
• Mental Health Association Support and Linkages: (716) 661-9044

National Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, over 38,000 Americans take their life each year and 20 percent of those deaths are military veterans.

The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention in Chautauqua County has developed a variety of helpful materials encouraging community members to “reach out a hand.”  Materials were distributed to 15 providers throughout the community who have committed to sharing this message of support, empowerment, education and hope.

If you suspect someone may be at risk for suicide take it seriously. Fifty to seventy-five percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention. Ask the person questions. Begin by telling the suicidal person you are concerned about them. Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.

Ask if they are seeing a clinician or are taking medication so the treating person can be contacted. Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know you care, they are not alone and they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.” And finally, actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a professional and schedule an appointment.

Knowing the warning signs of suicide could be potentially lifesaving for an individual in crisis. They are as follows:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, seek help. Resources are available. However, if in an acute emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Local Community Mental Health Resources

• Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team, 5 p.m. – 9 a.m., 24 hour weekends and holidays, accessed through the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline
• Chautauqua County Mental Health Clinics, Jamestown: (716) 661-8330, Dunkirk: (716) 363-3550
• WCA Hospital Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 664-8641
• The Resource Center Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 661-1590, Dunkirk: (716) 366-6858
• Hospice Chautauqua County Bereavement Services, Jamestown/Lakewood: (716) 338-0033, Dunkirk/Fredonia: (716) 672-6944, Mayville: (716) 753-5383
• Mental Health Association Support and Linkages: (716) 661-9044

National Resource

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Schools and other agencies interested in supporting the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s efforts and receiving suicide awareness and prevention materials should contact Chautauqua Tapestry at (716) 753-4507 to receive an order form.

According to media reports, 29 year-old Nicole Sheehan of Lancaster died Friday afternoon at the UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.

Sheehan is believed to have been shot by her boyfriend, 38 year-old Sam Reynolds, while the couple was visiting Barcelona, along the Lake Erie shoreline. The incident took place during the early morning hours on Thursday, June 19. Sheehan was discovered by a resident on Route 5 after she went to the home seeking help for a gunshot wound to the head. Shortly after Sheehan was discovered, Reynolds is believed to have shot himself. Deputies discovered his body at the Barcelona harbor break wall.

The investigation is continuing.