As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters.

Because government should be clear. This is your County. 

And this is Westchester, Explained. 

In this episode, we recognize the County's Suicide Prevention Month efforts in advance of 988 Day on September 8 by taking a closer look at the resources, support and people working to prevent suicide here in Westchester County. 

We sit down with local mental health and suicide prevention experts to discuss the warning signs and misconceptions surrounding suicide, how we can better support someone who may be struggling, the importance of breaking the stigma around conversations about mental health -- and what it means when they say "it's okay not to be okay."

We also explore the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition  and the County's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline based out of St. Vincent's Hospital in Harrison -- where residents can call or text 988 at any time to connect with a trained crisis counselor -- as well as the community efforts taking place throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month and how community members can get involved.

Join us as we discuss how awareness, conversation and knowing where to turn for help can save lives.

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