Cattaraugus County Suicide Prevention Month: Awareness Events & Healing Activities in September 2025
Cattaraugus County Suicide Prevention Month: Awareness Events & Healing Activities in September 2025
September shines a spotlight on suicide prevention in Cattaraugus County with walks, workshops, trainings, and a special comedy event for healing and hope.
In 2008, September was officially designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, aiming to reduce stigma, promote open conversation, and connect people in crisis to help. Despite broader awareness efforts, a 2024 study found that only 15% of Americans correctly recalled the national suicide hotline number (988) in an open-ended response. Given the fact that as of 2024, suicide rates reached a 70-year high (14.7 per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control), awareness is more important than ever, and the Trauma Informed Coalition of Cattaraugus County (TICCAT) invites all to take part in the many events around suicide prevention, mental health, healing and support happening throughout the county this month.
Inspired by successful events such as the annual Cattaraugus County Suicide Prevention Walk, TICCAT decided to focus their annual event on suicide prevention in September, instead of hosting their annual symposium in May. Connecting Communities in Action (CCA) Victim Services Director Breanne Abbott, LCSW, noted that college campuses are usually the sites for the annual one-day symposiums; however, given the start of the new school year and the wide range of different events hosted by many different people involved with TICCAT, the event quickly expanded and includes a whole menu of events around suicide prevention throughout the county.
Upcoming events include Mental Health First Aid on September 11th and September 12th from 8:00am-4:00pm at CCA (25 Jefferson St., Salamanca). On September 15th from 9:00am-noon, St. Stephen’s Church in Olean is hosting a half-day suicide alertness training called safeTALK, facilitated by Amy Lanphere, LMHC. Dr. Enoch Azasu is hosting a research presentation on Suicide in the African Diaspora on September 22nd from 12:30-1:30pm at St. Bonaventure University. Additional events include a complimentary dinner and informational session on local resources for mental wellness at A Beautiful Child Daycare in Portville from 5:30-6:30pm on September 23rd and a grief and loss workshop on September 24th from 1:30-3:30pm at the Office of Aging Wellness Center in Allegany.
There is plenty to learn about and explore on Saturday, September 20th, which includes the annual Cattaraugus County Suicide Prevention Walk. The walk takes place from 4:00-8:00pm at Lincoln Park in Olean, with a Wellness Fair from 4:00-6:00pm. All funds raised through the walk will stay in the county for suicide awareness activities. Head over to HoliMont later for TICCAT’s evening of humor, healing, and hope in their Good for the Soul Stand Up Comedy Event. Doors open for VIP ticket holders at 6:00pm; general admission begins at 7:00pm.
So what does humor have to do with suicide prevention? Well, possibly quite a lot, as a matter of fact! Numerous studies have shown how laughter reduces anxiety, boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, improves immune health, and brings people together. And, Abbott pointed out, “It’s a great way to help people feel more comfortable with something that’s uncomfortable.” Comedian Aidan Park, who struggled with suicide ideation himself for a period, is the founder of the Yay! Foundation, which is devoted to promoting mental and emotional health through humorous and engaging programs, workshops, and trainings for organizations all over the U.S.
Laura Widger, LCSW and owner of Inner Peace and Strength in Ellicottville, initially made the connection with Park, the Los Angeles-based comedian who is headlining the September 20th event to show how comedic storytelling can be a life-changing approach to conversations around suicide prevention and awareness. Widger said Park was a referral from her business coach, Dr. Erin Burgoon, a social psychologist who is a board member of the Yay! Foundation. “Aidan's model is, ‘Let’s train people that are in the community that really understand’,’” she explained. Dr. Kate from Homegrown Pediatrics, Brad Poole from Warrior Fitness, and Nick Sciara from Mud, Sweat n’ Gears will be joining Park onstage, along with local comedian Michael Keller.
Dan and Carla Kruszynski of Ellicottville, who lost their 15-year-old son, Daniel, to suicide earlier this year, will be speaking during intermission. Widger explained, “They’ll share their story a little bit and then just encourage others to reach out, ask for help, and highlight the importance of taking care of yourself.” Memorials can be made to the Daniel G. Kruszynski Memorial Fund, c/o CCSE Federal Credit Union, 417 Broad St., Salamanca, NY 14779. (Donations may also be made in-person at the CCSE branch in Salamanca.)
To learn more about the stand-up comedy event and all of the events happening around suicide prevention in the county this month, visit the Events and News page on CCA’s website at www.ccaction.org or follow Connecting Communities in Action on social media.