West NY News

The City of Jamestown is set to unveil new signage featuring the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on June 27 at 1 PM. The signs will be placed on the 3rd Street Bridge and other locations throughout the city. Mayor Kimberly Ecklund and other community members will speak at the event, emphasizing the importance of this initiative and other local and national resources.

Mayor Ecklund has a personal connection to this cause, having lost her nephew, Ryan Michael, to suicide in 2020. "Saying that I'm an advocate is an understatement," she said. "Four years ago, I experienced firsthand the profound pain of losing a beloved family member to suicide when my nephew, Ryan, passed away."

She added, “This loss affects me daily. Ryan’s laughter, light, and love are missing from our lives, and I do not want anyone else to ever feel like they need to take their life. These signs are more than just a number; they represent hope and the potential to save a life as well as a reminder of the importance of our mission and the enduring impact of our advocacy.”

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate support for those in distress. By placing these signs throughout Jamestown, officials aim to remind residents that help is always available.

In addition to the 988 hotline, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Chautauqua County 24/7 Crisis Hotline are available. Support groups through organizations like the Mental Health Association (MHA) and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County also offer assistance.

More information about these support groups can be found at www.mhachautauqua.org and www.preventionsuicidechq.com.

The City of Jamestown invites all community members and media representatives to attend the press conference. Mayor Ecklund encourages everyone to support this initiative: “Together we can help create a community of compassion and kindness where help is accessible and we stand united against this silent epidemic of suicide.”