Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky


The moon is in waxing crescent phase and is 43 percent illuminated. Have a peaceful evening.

BHcare's Alliance for Prevention & Wellness marks Suicide Prevention Month



NORTH HAVEN - In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness announces a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental health and wellness within our community. 

Taking place in September, Suicide Prevention Week offers a critical opportunity for individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

This year’s theme, “Community Support is Key to Suicide Prevention,” highlights the importance of community support and open dialogue in preventing suicide. Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. 

Suicide is among the top three leading causes of death for people aged 18-34 in Connecticut according to the CT Department of Public Health. 


The Regional Suicide Advisory Boards in CT have trained more than 2,500 people in suicide prevention this past year. This contributes to Connecticut having one of the lowest suicide rates in the United States, but even one death is too many. Learn how you can provide hope, start the conversation, and make a difference today.  

  • Community Outreach and Education: Throughout the month, our team will engage with local schools, businesses, and community groups to provide educational materials and resources on suicide prevention. This includes training and distribution of informational pamphlets that outline warning signs, risk factors, and how to seek help. To attend the upcoming Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training QPR register here: www.apw-ct.org/events 
  • Social Media Campaign: BHcare will launch a social media campaign to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and the resources available for those in need. Using the hashtag #PreventSuicide, we encourage the community to share their stories, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
  • Safe Storage: Ensuring the safe storage of medications, cannabis, and firearms is a crucial step in suicide prevention. By locking up these items, we can help reduce the risk of impulsive actions and provide a critical layer of protection for those in need. Let’s all take a moment to secure these potentially dangerous items and contribute to a safer environment for everyone. If you are interested in a free firearm safety kit or medication lockbox, please visit these resources: Project Child Safe and Drug Free CT.

“Suicide is preventable, and it’s our responsibility as a community to ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need,” said Taylor Gainey, Regional Suicide Advisory Board Coordinator of Alliance Prevention and Wellness at BHcare. “Through education, awareness, and collaboration, we can save lives and create a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone.”

BHcare encourages community members to participate in Suicide Prevention Month by attending events, sharing information on social media, and checking in with friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling. Together, we can make a difference.

If you or someone you know needs help, help them connect to support. Help is available 24/7.  Call or text 988 to speak with trained crisis counselors who can provide immediate support and guidance. 

You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. Support is also available in Spanish and American Sign Language. If a person is in imminent danger, call 911 first.

For more information on BHcare’s Regional Suicide Advisory Board, please visit or contact Taylor Gainey at tgainey@bhcare.org or visit preventsuicidect.org. 


This is a press release from the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness.




'Turnback Tuesday' focuses on Derby native Judge O'Sullivan


Turnback Tuesday looks at one of Derby’s accomplished citizens: Patrick B. O’ Sullivan. Patrick was born in August, 1887 and was the son of Derby’s first Mayor Thomas J. O’Sullivan. Patrick was one of 14 students who graduated from Derby High School on June 16, 1904.
After graduation, Patrick went on to Yale University then to Yale Law School, which he completed in 1913 and was accepted to the State of CT Bar Association in June of that year.
From 1913 to 1917, he was Derby’s Corporation Counsel. In 1918, Patrick served in WWI as part of the "Miracle 90", Navy Cadets that trained in 90 days. He was a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of CT from 1931 to 1948, and on the CT Supreme Court from 1949 to 1957.
Patrick B. O’ Sullivan passed November, 1978.

This diploma was provided to the Library by the O’Sullivan family.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.