OUR VISION is for a community where no lives are lost to suicide. Our mission is to use data, science, and collaborations to identify and implement effective suicide prevention strategies for Tompkins County.
- Who We Are
- The Watershed Declaration of 2017
- Coalition Meetings
- Coalition Strategic Plan
- Information packet from our Sept. 28 Town Hall “How Healthcare Helps Prevent Suicides”.
- Emergency 24/7 Help Line
988 is the new, three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). 988 will be available nation-wide on July 16, 2022. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It is a direct connection to caring support for anyone in mental health distress.
- thoughts of suicide
- substance use crisis
- emotional distress
988 is a free service available to everyone. You can contact 988 by chat, text, or phone. Access support in Spanish by pressing 2. Interpretation services are available in over 150 languages.
Who We Are
The Tompkins County Suicide Prevention Coalition (the Coalition) is comprised of health agencies, community organizations, and individual members who share a determination to prevent suicide deaths in our community. It is a collective of volunteers that strives for diverse and inclusive representation and encourages collaboration for achieving goals. The Coalition draws inspiration and purpose from The Watershed Declaration of 2017, a call to action by Tompkins County mental health leaders to renew our community’s commitment to suicide prevention.
The Watershed Declaration of 2017
“We the assembled mental health stakeholders of the greater Ithaca community and Tompkins County recognize suicide as a serious public health concern. Today we renew our commitment to suicide prevention and pledge to intensify efforts toward saving lives and bringing hope to those struggling with suicide thoughts or affected by suicide loss.”
- City of Ithaca Proclamation, June 7, 2017
- Tompkins County Proclamation, September 5, 2017
- Learn more about The Watershed Declaration at The Sophie Fund website.
Coalition Meetings
The Coalition meets on the third Thursday of the month, from 2:30–3:30. Our meetings are open to those who agree to follow this Working Agreement:
- Be Present – Cameras on when possible
- Be Open/Curious/Authentic
- Practice Respectful, Safe Communication
- Everyone is welcome, valued and seen as equal
- Ask questions to promote shared understanding
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Practice confidentiality
- Honor work that is already in progress
- Honor and respect new input
- Role of coalition – convene, connect, advocate, support
For more information, email Sally Manning.
Town Hall: How Healthcare Helps Prevent Suicides
A Town Hall on how the Zero Suicide Model is being implemented in Tompkins County.
Thursday September 28, 2023, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), 301 W. Court Street, Ithaca
Supplemental Materials
Zero Suicide: Transforming Systems for Safer Care.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here for you.
Questions that Can Save a Life.
Two dozen agencies and organizations compiled by The Sophie Fund.
Complete Town Hall packet (PDF, 12 pages)
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS CONTACTS FOR 24-HOUR HELP if you or someone you know feels the need to speak with a mental health professional:
- For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, DIAL 988 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741-741.
- Ithaca’s Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service hotline, 1-607-272-1616.
- Veterans Crisis Line, for Veterans and their loved ones, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or text 838255.
Visit veteranscrisisline.net for online chat and more.
