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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Fiodhna O'Grady, Director of Government Relations at Samaritans of New York
7:08:04
ยท
3 min
Fiodhna O'Grady, representing Samaritans of New York, testified about the critical need for suicide prevention services in New York City. She highlighted the increasing rates of suicide attempts, particularly among young people, and requested continued funding support for their organization.
- Samaritans of New York operates a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, answering thousands of calls monthly from New Yorkers in crisis.
- Recent data shows a significant increase in suicide attempts among NYC high school students, with 14% reporting attempts in 2023, up from 10% in 2019 and 2021.
- O'Grady requested $312,000 in funding plus a 3% cost of living adjustment to support their services, noting that volunteers contribute $800,000 worth of free labor annually.
Fiodhna O'Grady
7:08:04
Good afternoon Chair Lee, Chair Schulman.
7:08:06
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
7:08:08
My name is Fiona O'Grady and I serve as director of government relations at the Samaritans of New York, the city's only community based organization solely devoted to suicide.
7:08:18
I'm also a proud member of the In Unity Alliance and echo Jahoon Kim's testimony.
7:08:27
Everyday Samaritans is there for New Yorkers when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.
7:08:32
Our free 247 suicide prevention hotline answers thousands of calls each month from people in every borough of every age and background, people who are overwhelmed, in despair, and often completely alone.
7:08:45
The need for our services has never been greater.
7:08:48
One in three New Yorkers experience symptoms of depression or anxiety.
7:08:54
In 2023, over forty one thousand five hundred suicide attempts were reported statewide.
7:09:00
Suicide claims more lives in New York each year than car accidents, and our young people are in crisis as was pointed out by council member Eric Bacher today.
7:09:13
Fourteen percent of our New York City High School Students reported attempting suicide in 2023, and that was sorry just having one moment.
7:09:27
That is compared to 2021 and 2019 when it was ten percent.
7:09:34
Also we're looking, which is a 56% increase and more than 50% higher than the national average.
7:09:42
I'd also like to point out for students who are considering attempting suicide, we have an eighteen percent which again is higher than any other year since 02/2007, I believe.
7:09:56
One in four African American females have seriously considered attempting suicide.
7:10:04
One in five Asian, Hispanic, and white school children have considered attempting suicide with twenty nine percent multiple race.
7:10:18
I just want to say I echo all the words regarding increasing help for the mentally ill, and also that of our 7,000 be heard transports, that post hospitalization suicide risk can soar up to 12 times, especially for those involuntarily admitted, maintaining this heightened risk for up to five years.
7:10:45
And I wonder if they keep data on those who are voluntary versus involuntarily brought to the hospitals.
7:10:52
Samaritans is doing the work for forty years.
7:10:55
We have a lean budget.
7:10:56
Our volunteers contribute 800,000 of free labor, which then helps with your 312,000.
Lynn Schulman
7:11:05
Can you summarize That's
Fiodhna O'Grady
7:11:07
it.
7:11:07
Okay.
7:11:08
312,000 and a little bit of COLA for 3% since we're looking.
7:11:13
Thank you.
Lynn Schulman
7:11:13
Thank you.