HARRISON, NY (September 2025) – St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, a division of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, is committed to saving lives and supporting individuals in crisis by operating the Westchester-based 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call center. Now, during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the hospital is receiving accolades for its continued dedication to suicide prevention.
Recently, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins recognized the month of September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Westchester, and proclaimed September 8 as 988 Awareness Day. Westchester County produced a video highlighting the importance of the 988 number and St. Vincent’s role in staffing the call center.
In 2024 alone, St. Vincent’s Hospital answered more than 17,000 calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call center — connecting individuals and families to trained behavioral health professionals.
“By operating the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we are ensuring that anyone in crisis in Westchester has immediate access to compassionate, professional support, day or night. We are proud to stand with Westchester County in raising awareness this September, and we remain committed to expanding resources that bring hope and healing to our community,” said Michael Spicer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.
“The importance of being able to simply dial 988 to get support during a behavioral health crisis, or to help avoid a crisis, cannot be underestimated,” said Bernadette Kingham-Bez, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center. “We are deeply grateful for the County’s partnership and funding, which has made our Westchester 988 call center available 24/7.”
St. Vincent’s 988 call center is staffed by licensed clinical professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors trained to provide confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources. In addition, the hospital operates a Mobile Crisis Team, which can deploy mental health professionals directly into the community — to homes, schools, or other locations — when in-person support is needed.
The 988 Lifeline also offers specialized support for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those struggling with addiction, ensuring that all residents of Westchester can access help that meets their needs. Calls are answered locally, with translation services available in more than 150 languages.
St. Vincent’s Hospital encourages Westchester residents to use the 988 Lifeline whenever help is needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, or concern for a loved one, trained professionals are available to help — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
