Anne Burrell was loud, funny, and charismatic on her Food Network shows. The night before she took her life, she performed at a comedy improv show and was reportedly in very good spirits. And then within just a few hours, she took her life.
That just proves you never know what someone is going through. So please, smile at someone as you walk by. Stop and say “hello, how was your day” and really listen to their answer. It could make someone day or even save a life.
Why Now?
September is National Suicide Awareness month. Death from suicide increased by 20% in 2024 from 2023 in Erie County alone. Men are 79% more likely to commit suicide than women, and the leading cause of suicide with men is firearms. There are community resources already in place to help if you feel you or someone in your home may try to end their life with a firearm. Gunlocks are available and there are safe places to store firearms, too.
- Firearm Life Plan: https://firearmlifeplan.org/firearm-life-plan/plan/
- Firearm Storage in Erie & Niagara County Map (as created by the Erie County Suicide Prevention Coalition, soon to include Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming Counties): Firearm Storage in Erie & Niagara County NY – Google My Maps
- NY State Firearm Storage: https://rockinst.org/gun-violence/nys-firearm-storage-map/
- Firearm Storage Map NYS: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/rockefeller.institute/viz/230615FirearmStorageMap/FirearmStorageDash
- Gun Storage for Your Lifestyle: https://projectchildsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PCS_SafeStorage_19.pdf
- Worried About a Veteran: https://worriedaboutaveteran.org/ (NY State Specific: https://worriedaboutaveteran.org/state-laws-directory/#NEWYORK)
- Free gun lock/ Safety information: https://projectchildsafe.org/law-enforcement/
For those struggling with thoughts of hurting yourself know there is always someone out there and you are not alone. Call a friend, a family member, call a counselor, call 988, where a caring individual at Crisis Services will answer your call. The team at Spectrum Health is here to help, too.
Make a plan that keeps you here one more day and know that the world needs you in it!
Christina Jakubowski
Senior Clinical Care Coordinator
