Family Service League Offers Vital Services for Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Post-Vention 
Suffolk Country, New York – Family Service League provides a comprehensive array of counseling, suicide prevention, intervention, and post-vention services to Long Island residents. In the wake of the recent tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, we are sadly reminded of the widespread nature of suicide.  Suicide is a public health crisis and is not a new phenomenon; however, in recent years there has been a sharp increase in the suicide rate for teens and adults.

“Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed or don’t seek treatment when they are experiencing depression or have a mental illness.  Many people who complete suicide suffer from untreated or poorly treated depression. Suicide and depression know no barriers – it affects people of all ages, races, and income levels.” said Karen Boorshtein, President and CEO of FSL.  FSL programs help individuals and loved ones recognize that everyday life experiences such as family changes, illness, hopelessness, or depression all have a role in suicidal behavior.  Often these events occur along with disorders like substance use, anxiety, and psychosis.  Sometimes suicidal behavior is triggered by events such as personal loss or violence.  FSL’s life-saving programs provide guidelines for how to help yourself or someone thinking of suicide; what questions to ask, how to ask those questions and, most importantly, how to get immediate help.  Suicide is devastating for family and loved ones, getting help is crucial.  FSL offers a broad spectrum of services designed to help individuals through life’s most critical challenges.

As a direct result of a number of suicides impacting Suffolk County, FSL had implemented the prevention program Safe TALK (Tell Ask Listen Keep safe), in coordination with the NYS Office of Mental Health. Knowing the risk factors for suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.  Safe TALK is three hour training offered to teens (15+) through seniors.  Some strategies that FSL encourages to help people from acting on suicidal thoughts include:

• Effective medical treatment for mental, physical health problems and any substance abuse
• Strong support network of friends, family, peer groups or outside activities
• Developing problem solving skills, resolving conflicts and handling disputes without violence

FSL’s post-vention program, Joe’s Project,

was created to provide immediate support to those surviving a loss by suicide.  Joe’s Project is a specialty service within the agency Community Crisis Action Team (C-CAT).  Joe’s Project staff is comprised of master’s level mental health workers with additional training from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Post-ventions are with individuals, families and groups impacted by suicide; often days after the occurrence.  Joe’s Project staff assists in the complicated grief that frequently accompanies suicide.  If anyone has been impacted by suicide and is seeking help the Joe’s Program 24/7 hotline number is 1-888 FSL-CCAT (1-888-375-2228).

“Support and the availability of services make a critical difference in the lives of Long Islanders suffering with the many challenges associated with suicidal behavior.  Through educational programs, building community awareness and counseling, Family Service League is able to offer assistance as individuals and loved ones mobilize their strengths and improve the quality of their lives.”     – Karen Boorshtein, President and CEO of FSL

For information on these programs please contact Family Service League
Robyn Berger-Gaston, LCSW-R, Division Director
631-591-7580 or rberger-gaston@fsl-li.org

www.fsl-li.org
631-427-3700
RestoreHope@fsl-li.org