Elmhurst Hospital’s Suicide Prevention in Youth Program (ESPY) is hosting a street festival in front of the hospital’s Community Medical Center on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event takes place along 41st Avenue and serves as the official kickoff of National Suicide Prevention Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of and combating the alarming rise in youth suicide rates.
The street festival is more than just an event. It is seen as an important opportunity to engage the community in a serious dialogue about youth mental health. The urgency of this conversation is underlined by the alarming fact that suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24.
The event includes live performances, information booths and activities designed to promote cohesion and support within the community.
According to the New York City Department of Health and the Bureau of Vital Statistics for Mental Health, Queens is particularly affected by the youth mental health crisis and has the highest suicide rate 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 created to address this crisis and provide comprehensive support and resources to the community.
The street festival will include a number of activities designed to engage participants while also reminding them of the seriousness of the problem. Information booths will offer information on suicide prevention strategies and mental health resources. Health 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 culminate with Elmhurst Hospital’s 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Walk, a celebratory tribute to those whose lives have been touched by suicide. The walk is intended to serve as a powerful reminder of the community’s shared commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.
For more information about the event or additional opportunities to get involved, contact the Elmhurst Suicide Prevention in Youth program at [email protected].
