Honor Suicide Prevention Milestone

Senate Resolution No. 5260 BY: Senator JACOBS COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc. on May 17, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc., to be celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at its new state-of-the-art facility on Thursday, May 17, 2018; and WHEREAS, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc. began operation in November of 1968, after two years of strategic planning by the Mental Health Association, Psychological Association of Western New York, Community Welfare Council, and the Erie County Department of Mental Health; and WHEREAS, The service was designed to fill the community's need for an innovative unit that would explore new methods of treating and assisting people in emotional crisis through a variety of therapeutic services; and WHEREAS, Today, Crisis Services of Erie County is the most comprehensive crisis center in Upstate New York, with such vital programs as: a 24 Hour Hotline, Emergency Mobile Outreach Services, Trauma Response Services, the Advocate Program- Rape, Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Elder Abuse, Community Education and Training, and the Police/Mental Health Coordination Project; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Crisis Services works to be the best agency to address issues related to emergency mental health by decreasing hospitalizations, suicides, violence, homelessness and other issues that accompany these social ills; and WHEREAS, Crisis Services has more than fulfilled the aspirations and proposals set forth many years ago; the organization has grown and developed to be an important link in the network of critical services provided by Erie County; and WHEREAS, Certified by the American Association of Suicidology, Crisis Services is the New York State Department of Health Designated Rape Crisis Center, and a New York State Approved Non-Residential Domestic Violence Service Provider; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 50-year history, Crisis Services has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of Crisis Services is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Crisis Services; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc. on May 17, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc., Buffalo, New York.