County Executive Ken Jenkins Dedicates Plaque at the Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park
As part of Westchester County’s recognition of the month of September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, County Executive Ken Jenkins held a plaque dedication ceremony at the Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park. The plaque, which was provided through a partnership between the County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the Parks Foundation and NAMI Westchester, was unveiled as a way to honor the memory of individuals who died as a result of suicide. The solemn ceremony brought together individuals from the mental health community, with family and friends of people who completed suicide.
Jenkins said: “We gather this September not just to place a plaque at the grounds of the Healing Garden, but also to remember those who died this year as a result of suicide. When we created the Healing Garden, it was designed as a tranquil place for reflection for family and friends to reflect on those they lost, and to help address the stigma that is often attached to suicide – a key message of Suicide Awareness Month. With the addition of this plaque, we hope that those family and friends who have lost someone to suicide will continue to seek comfort and solace in these grounds, and rekindle happy memories while they are here.”
Ground was broken on the Healing Garden in September 2022 after a planning committee was appointed to recommend a design for the park. The committee consisted of survivors, advocates and leadership from Westchester County Departments. DCMH worked closely with Parks, Recreation and Conservation, NAMI Westchester, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to finalize plans, and the Healing Garden opened.
DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth said: “Today the Healing Garden stands as a testament to the efforts of our County, and the commitment of County Executive Jenkins to ensure that anyone who needs to find a place to reflect and remember a loved one has that opportunity. Each year, the Healing Garden grows and the opportunity to place this plaque on the main rock at the site is another way to honor those we have lost. Westchester lost 63 individuals to suicide last year, down from a high of 79 in 2022. Educating people about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and letting them know there is help, goes a long way to giving people hope.”
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “The Healing Garden has provided family and friends a quiet respite in a beautiful natural setting in Ridge Road park. We are thankful to all our donors as well as to the park staff that helped to build the Garden and continue to maintain it.”
Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Vedat Gashi said: “This garden reflects our unwavering commitment to breaking the silence around mental health challenges. This special plaque will serve as a permanent reminder that no one walks this difficult path alone. Our community stands ready to offer support, resources, and hope to anyone who needs it.”
Legislator Nancy Barr said: “According to the CDC, 49,316 Americans died by suicide in 2023, the equivalent of 1 death every 11 minutes. Equally shocking is that there were 1.5 million attempts. Too many families have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, but many others may be able to prevent it in the future if they have the right tools. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call or text 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – for help and hope.”
Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Westchester and Co-Chair of the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition Marie Considine said: “During Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we empathize with those who have taken their lives and their families who lost their loved ones to suicide, as well as those first responders who are impacted by this trauma — and we rededicate ourselves to supporting, educating and advocating for mental health and suicide prevention strategies and collaborative initiatives to provide help and hope with a goal of no one going through such terrible pain. Every person should have the mental health education to equip them to face life’s challenges, and know when and where to get help for themselves or someone else in need. ”
Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hudson Valley/Westchester Chapter Maria Idoni said: “Each of the 63 butterflies in the Westchester Healing Garden carries the memory of a life lost to suicide. This Suicide Prevention Month, I invite you to join me in turning remembrance into action. Find a training, learn how to have a conversation that could save a life, and help bring hope to our community.”