The “Speak” App Helps Users Recognize The Warning Signs of Suicide And Access Help
Kingston, NY– Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is urging County residents to install the latest update to the “Ulster County SPEAK App”. The Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness Kit (SPEAK) app is designed to help users recognize the critical signs of potential suicidal actions in friends and family and have access to the help they need, fast. While it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment, it can be a “first line of defense” that offers everyone solid information and useful tools that they can use to help someone they love make it through a difficult time. Ulster County’s groundbreaking app has been adopted in Dutchess, Orange and many other Counties since it was first launched in 2013 as a result of a collaboration by the County Executive’s Suicide Prevention, Education and Awareness Committee. It has recently been updated to include critical information and corrected links to provide the most current information to those in need.
Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive
“It is my hope that every resident of Ulster County will install this (potentially life-saving) application on their smartphone. The Ulster County SPEAK App can help prevent families from experiencing the pain and devastation of losing a loved one to suicide,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “The Ulster County SPEAK App empowers families with the knowledge and ability to access immediate assistance during a time of crisis. This app, created through the hard work of the Ulster County Department of Health and Mental Health, Mental Health Association, Family of Woodstock and MAC Works as well as the entire Ulster County Suicide Prevention and Awareness (SPEAK) Committee, is just one component of creating a culture of understanding and support around mental health issues. I thank the amazing team for their outstanding work.”
Dr. Carol M. Smith, Commissioner of Ulster County Health and Mental Health
“The Ulster County SPEAK app is designed to provide an accessible and user friendly way to help people recognize the warning signs of suicide among those they know and love and to help them know what to say and do, in the short term, until professional help can be sought,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health. “The Ulster County SPEAK app has instant call suicide hotline and text line buttons that can put users in touch instantly with counselors who can guide them through the process and get them the help they need. No one is immune from suicide, but with Ulster County's free SPEAK app, help is literally at your fingertips.”
Ellen Pendegar, CEO, Mental Health Association in Ulster, Inc.
“Talking openly and directly about suicide is the key to preventing suicide, with the Ulster County SPEAK app on your smartphone you can help save a life,” said Ellen Pendegar, CEO of Mental Health Association, Inc. in Ulster County. “Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has been instrumental in the development, distribution and success of the Ulster County SPEAK app. Not every County Executive makes suicide prevention a priority, but County Executive Hein did, going above and beyond to create a model that has been implemented in several counties and states.”
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationally for all ages and the 12th leading cause of death in New York State. In 2016, the most recent year for which there is data, approximately 1,679 New Yorkers committed suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Deaths, more than twice as many New Yorkers die by suicide than by homicide. It is the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults ages 15-24 years old. Groups at higher risk for suicide include teenagers, young adults, Veterans, and those in the LGBTQ Community.
The app was developed under the direction of Ulster County Executive Mike Hein by the Ulster County Suicide Prevention, Education and Awareness (SPEAK) Committee, including: the Health Education Unit of the County Department of Health and Mental Health, The Mac Works, Inc., Mental Health Association in Ulster County, and Family of Woodstock’s Crisis Hotline.
Residents with the older version, please delete it and reinstall the updated version. The Ulster County SPEAK App is a free download through the App Store or Google Play and is also available for iPhone and Android at:
More information about suicide prevention is available at:
http://ulstercountyny.gov/health/ulster-county-suicide-prevention-education-and-awareness-committee
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
