[Important Information for Employees] September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

[Student Health & Counseling Center]

Dear Campus,
Even though suicide is currently ranked the 10th cause of death among all
ages, it remains largely unacknowledged, often causing those who are
suffering to feel alone, ashamed, and afraid.

But suicide is preventable. With support and commitment and support from
loved ones, peers, and professionals, we can all be part of the response
and solution to ending this tragic problem.

We are aware that mental health services and resources are significant
needs for everyone, and we are most concerned with making those available
to our campus community.

*We encourage you to take advantage of the following, and to reach out to
us whether you are in crisis or seeking longer term assistance:*


   - Call University Police (564-2022) or Plattsburgh City Police (563-3411)
   - Call  911
   - Go to Your Nearest Hospital Emergency Room/ In Plattsburgh go to UVHN
   -- Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY
   - Call the Counseling Center (564-3086) or come in (8 am – 4:30 pm, M –
   F)

*The following Q&A provides additional information to address concerns you
may have for yourself and for your friends and family: *

What are the warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide?

   - Feeling extreme depression, guilt, or shame.
   - Feeling hopeless.
   - Talking about, or preoccupation with, death or suicide.
   - Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away
   possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means (buying a firearm,
   acquiring quantities of pills/medication, researching ways to die).
   - Exhibiting a dramatic change in behavior, including withdrawal from
   friends or usual activities, increased alcohol/drug use, difficulties in
   sleeping or eating, decreased self-care

What should I do if I suspect someone is experiencing a crisis or is
hurting?

   - If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE
   (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember
   steps:
   - Ask – Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may
   feel awkward, research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel
   relief when someone asks them in a caring way.
   - Care – Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to
   ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging,
   without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough
   to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.
   - Escort – When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or
   hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do
   not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

What resources are available for someone who is suicidal or in need of help?

   - Offer to facilitate transportation for the person to the CVPH
   Emergency Room
   <https://www.cvph.org/Departments-and-Programs/Emergency-Services/>. If
   the person is hesitant to receive emergency healthcare, call 911.
   - Call, or offer to help the person call the Clinton County Suicide
   Hotline: 1-866-5PREVENT (1-866-577-3836)
   - Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
   <https://www.dhs.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsuicidepreventionlifeline.org%2Ftalk-to-someone-now%2F&back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhs.gov%2Femployee-resources%2Fblog%2F2021%2F09%2F02%2Fseptember-national-suicide-prevention-awareness-month>
24
   hours a day, 7 days a week, and follow their guidance. You can also
visit their
   website
   <https://www.dhs.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsuicidepreventionlifeline.org%2Ftalk-to-someone-now%2F&back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhs.gov%2Femployee-resources%2Fblog%2F2021%2F09%2F02%2Fseptember-national-suicide-prevention-awareness-month>
for
   further information.
   - If the person you know has a mental health professional that they see,
   help them schedule an urgent appointment. If they do not have an existing
   connection with a mental health professional, help them make an urgent
   appointment with the Counseling Center.

What other resources are there for employees who may not be in a suicidal
crisis, but need support?


   - The Student Health & Counseling Center
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/health-counseling-center/index.html>
    provides helpful information
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/health-counseling-center/faculty-staff.html>
for
   students and employees in distress.
   - The SUNY Plattsburgh Employee Assistance Program
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/about/offices-divisions/administration-finance/about-us/offices/employee-assistance-office.html>
(EAP) coordinator assists
   employees in identifying and resolving personal, family, and workplace
   issues by providing information, assessment, and referral to community
   resources.
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