Hope and Healing Network
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 or chat.
Our Mission
The Hope and Healing Network brings together the work of two longtime community coalitions, the Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, under one unified mission: to prevent and reduce mental distress, substance misuse, and suicide by engaging youth and strengthening community pathways to hope and healing.
Our Purpose
Community is at the heart of everything we do. The Hope and Healing Network was formed when the Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition merged. The unified coalition is dedicated to strengthening mental health support and awareness to reduce risk of substance misuse and suicide, and to support individuals, youth, and families by connecting them to community resources. When we come together, healing follows.
Safe Medication Disposal
We have many drop boxes for unused or expired medications located throughout Ontario County. To find one near you, or to learn what can be put in the drop boxes, click below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if someone I know is at risk of suicide?
If you feel that someone you know is at immediate risk of suicide, please dial 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. While the Suicide Prevention Coalition provides education and resources for suicide prevention, individuals in crisis need to receive the support of qualified professionals.
What are five risk factors of suicide?
The five main risk factors of suicide are:
● Mental health disorders
● Substance misuse
● Previous suicide attempts or self-harm
● Lack of family or community support
● Stress or life events (Veterans, LGBTQ+, and trauma survivors may be at higher risk)
Which of the following are warning signs when determining acute suicidality?
A person may exhibit warning signs when they’re thinking about suicide. These include:
● Using statements that express a desire or intent to die.
● Talking or writing about death or suicide.
● Behavior changes or mood swings.
● Not eating or sleeping for days.
● Isolating yourself from friends and family.
● Taking dangerous risks, like driving fast or drinking excessively.
Does Ontario Cares offer crisis counseling?
Ontario Cares does not offer crisis counseling. Please call 988 to contact a crisis counselor. For non-crisis situations, we do offer Short-Term Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, a goal-oriented, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to be short-term.
What is the biggest prevention of suicide?
Research shows that having a strong social support system, access to mental health care, and limited access to lethal means are ways to prevent suicide.
What is meant by substance abuse?
Substance abuse is defined by using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in a way that negatively impacts a person’s health, relationships, or ability to function in daily life. This can include over-the-counter, prescription, legal, or illegal substances.
How do drugs affect your mental health?
Substance abuse disorders, whether it’s illegal, legal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol, can impact your ability to function at work, in school, or in relationships. Often, people with a substance abuse disorder experience depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, while people who experience mental health challenges may be at higher risk of developing a substance abuse disorder.
The short-term impact of substance misuse includes mood changes, increased risk of depression, sleep disruption, and a distorted sense of reality. Long-term effects include worsening mental health conditions, new mental health disorders, dependance, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Why should I dispose of unused medication?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 million people end up hospitalized every year because of drug-related injury, making it critical to properly dispose of unused or expired medication. Flushing medications can contaminate water sources and be harmful to wildlife, while medications that are thrown in the garbage can end up in the wrong hands, including children and pets.
Where should I dispose of unused medications?
Unused medications should be disposed of in a secure drop box. You can view a list of medication drop-off locations in Ontario County using this map.
Get Involved
The Hope and Healing Network meets hybrid on the second Monday of each month from 12-1:30. Check out our events pages for specific details.