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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ - 07 Cortland County Health Dept CorrespondenceCORTLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING Nicole Anjeski, MS, MPH 60 CENTRAL AVENUE Public Health Director CORTLAND, NEW YORK 13045-2746 Lisa Perfetti, BSN, RN (607) 753-5036 Deputy Public Health Director FAX: (607) 753-5209 Ngozi Mezu-Patel, MD http://www.cortland-co.org/432/Health-Department Medical Advisor WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY COMMUNITY SINCE 1929 TO: Local Media FROM: Nicole Anjeski, Public Health Director, Cortland County Health Department; Sharon MacDougall, Director of Community Services, Cortland County Mental Health Department, and Denise Bushnell, County Coroner, Cortland County Coroner Office RE: Reminder on Secure Gun Storage, Suicide Prevention Resources Available DATE: 10/11/2023 Cortland County’s Health Department, Mental Health Department, and the Coroner’s Office are reminding community members about secure gun storage practices and resources available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Suicide death from firearms is preventable. Community Members Should Know: Suicidal thoughts can be reduced with proper mental health support and treatment, and are not weaknesses or flaws. If you think that someone you know is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide, this will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide. Take all talk and their response seriously. A person who is thinking about suicide is experiencing a life threatening health crisis. Work with them to keep them safely away from lethal means like firearms and drugs. Stay with them and call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Warning Signs of Suicide: Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves Looking for a way to kill themselves, like 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; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or isolating themselves Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Extreme mood swings Routine Firearm Storage: Suicide by firearms is preventable. By keeping firearms securely stored, you can help reduce the number of suicides involving firearms. There are multiple methods to securely store guns that fit every lifestyle of gun owner. Gun storage options include:  Cable Locks: a cable runs through the barrel of the gun to prevent it from being loaded and fired. Cable locks are available to community members for FREE email Haile Cutter at rcutter@cortland-co.org or call (607) 753-5027.  Gun Case, Lock Boxes, Full Size Gun Safes: Info Here  For the greatest level of safety, use a combination of storage methods above.  More information on safe gun storage can be found Here. Limiting Access to Firearms During a Crisis: If you are thinking about suicide or know a loved one that is exhibiting warning signs about suicide. Removing access to firearms can save you or your loved one’s life. Steps you can take in this situation include:  Always store firearms securely.  Consider removing firearms from the home, and storing them securely offsite during a period of crisis. Other Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 to be connected to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, and connect to resources. Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. The lifeline is for anyone experiencing emotional distress, not just for those thinking about suicide. Crisis Hotlines 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988, Veteran Crisis- 988 press 1 Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741 OASAS HOPEline: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY NY State Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121 LGBTQ Trevor Project Webpage https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ Text START to 678-678 Mental Health Treatment The following agencies can provide in-person or virtual (tele-therapy) mental health treatment for community members: Cortland County Mental Health Department Clinic Phone: 607-758-6100 Address: 7 Clayton Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 Family & Children’s Counseling Services Phone: 607-753-0234 Address: 165 Main St. Cortland, NY 13045