Elmhurst Hospital’s Suicide Prevention in Youth Program (ESPY) will host a block party on Saturday, Sep. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the hospital’s Community Medical Center.
This event will be held along 41st Avenue and will serve as the official kickoff for National Suicide Prevention Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness and combating the alarming rise in youth suicide.
The block party is more than just an event; It is being hailed as a critical opportunity to engage the community in a serious dialogue about youth mental health. The urgency of this conversation is underscored by the alarming fact that suicide has become the second-leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24.
The event will include live performances, educational booths and activities designed to foster community connection and support.
According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Vital Statistics, Queens has been particularly affected by the youth mental health crisis, recording the highest number of suicides among young people in New York City. The ESPY program, funded by a five-year grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health, was established to address this crisis by offering comprehensive support and resources to the community.
The block party will include a range of activities designed to engage attendees while emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. Educational booths will offer information on suicide prevention strategies and mental health resources. Healthcare professionals and elected officials will speak to the community about the importance of addressing the youth mental health crisis with urgency and compassion.
The event will conclude with Elmhurst Hospital’s 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Walk, a solemn tribute to those whose lives have been touched by suicide. The walk will serve as a powerful reminder of the community’s shared commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.
For more information about the event or to learn about additional ways to get involved, contact the Elmhurst Suicide Prevention in Youth program at ElmhurstESPY@nychhc.org.
