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By Peter Lyons Hall
WARWICK, NY — The community is invited to gather at Railroad Green on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM for the 4th Annual Mental Health Awareness Celebration, an event dedicated to connection, education, and hope.
Hosted by Warwick Cares in collaboration with the Warwick Valley Community Center and the Village of Warwick, the event will feature speakers, performers, and local resource organizations, all promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma.
This year’s event comes amid encouraging national data. A recent study published in JAMA found an estimated 4,300 fewer suicide deaths in the two-and-a-half years following the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022. Among individuals ages 15 to 34, suicide rates declined by approximately 11 percent, with even greater reductions in states where use of the 988 lifeline increased most. While the study does not establish direct causation, it underscores the growing impact of accessible crisis support and public awareness.
Despite this progress, suicide continues to affect families across the Hudson Valley and beyond, making local outreach and education efforts as critical as ever.
“While Warwick was among the first communities in the country to adopt the 988 helpline, our message is simple but urgent—help is available, and no one has to face a crisis alone,” organizer Judy Batista said. “Events like this bring people together and make resources visible in a way that can truly save lives.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about mental health services, engage with community advocates, and enjoy a supportive, family-friendly environment.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For more information, contact WarwickCaresSigns@gmail.com.
