Deputy Presiding Officer Kara Hahn commemorated Response of Suffolk County’s fiftieth anniversary of providing crisis intervention and support service referrals to our region. Stony Brook based “Response” was formed in 1971 following a local college student’s near suicide. Following that tragic and nearly life-ending event, members of a stunned community contemplated what options had been available to assist this student, and other others feeling alone. Community members ultimately determined a 24-hour per day crisis hotline with local referral information was essential in bridging gaps in availability for mental health services.
Since its founding a half century ago, Response of Suffolk County has been a critical lifeline for tens of thousands of area residents in times of crisis and has been a key link in saving lives through suicide prevention and intervention.
Photo (left to right): Response of Suffolk County Board Member Kathleen Valerio, Response Crisis Center Executive Director Meryl Cassidy and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.