Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) is recognizing September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. This period is dedicated to remembering lives lost to suicide and acknowledging the impact on families and communities.

Each year, DCMH collaborates with NAMI Westchester, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation to create a butterfly display at the Healing Garden in Ridge Road Park. Unveiled in 2022, the Healing Garden serves as a permanent place for reflection for those affected by suicide.

The butterflies symbolize the "butterfly effect," promoting small behavioral changes for healthier outcomes. In 2024, an informational kiosk was added to enhance awareness and education about suicide prevention. Sixty-seven butterflies were placed in the garden to represent the 67 lives lost to suicide in 2023.

Westchester County Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth stated: “Mental Health services have been a priority of County Executive Latimer’s, and we thank him for his support of the planning committee to create this safe space. The Healing Garden has given numerous people an opportunity and place to come to think about and reflect on loved ones who have been lost to suicide. By adding the kiosk and providing even more outreach and education, we hope to be able to share resources with those in crisis and help them find ways to make a different choice.”