NCDMH Awarded Suicide Prevention Grant

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (NCDMH) today announced it has been awarded a highly competitive Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Adult Suicide Prevention Grant. Only five awards were made across the country, underscoring the strength and urgency of Niagara County’s proposal to expand its countywide Hope Speaks Niagara Adult Suicide Prevention initiative. The grant award is for $1.4 million over four years.

The grant will allow NCDMH to expand Hope Speaks’ efforts, with a goal of reaching an additional 10,000 at-risk adults annually and 40,000 over the four-year project period. Through evidence-based trainings, lethal means safety initiatives, improved crisis follow up, and innovative community engagement strategies, the aim is to reduce suicide risk and enhance emotional well-being

“By all measures, the demand for our services has been increasing and clearly shows a need for an expanded, countywide intervention effort,” said Laura J. Kelemen, Director of NCDMH.  “Working with our Hope Speaks partners, we will implement effective, data driven strategies that improve access to crisis care, strengthen community connections, and build sustainable prevention infrastructure for years to come.”

The project will target adults at elevated risk for suicide, including veterans, first responders, socially isolated older adults, rural residents, individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders, and men with access to lethal means. Hope Speaks’ expanded initiatives will include community trainings, improved care transition protocols, and distribution of lethal means safety devices in partnership with pharmacies, firearm retailers, law enforcement, and regional park systems. Additional initiatives include crisis signage at high-risk locations, public awareness campaigns, and the launch of Hope Speaks Niagara University, a regional hub for training and workforce development. A new discreet wellness application will also be piloted to support first responders.

“As we conclude Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, which is recognized every September, we have been reinforcing the importance of offering services and support that meet people where they are,” said Myrla Gibbons Doxey, NCDMH Deputy Director and Hope Speaks Niagara Chair. “Hope Speaks Niagara has become a powerful coalition across the county and today’s announcement will help us offer more to those in need and ultimately, save lives.”

For more information about Hope Speaks Niagara or to get involved, please visit www.niagaracounty.gov/hopespeaks.