5/15/2024 – SUICIDE PREVENTION ANO CRISIS SERVICE, INC. (CRISIS SERVICES} a non-profit organization that serves as Erie County’s 24-hour crisis center and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) are proud to announce that CRISIS SERVICES received re-accreditation for their crisis programs under the newly established best practice standards. The re-accreditation process strives to recognize exemplary crisis service organizations who provide services over telephone, texting, online emotional support, and mobile crisis services. AAS indicates less than 130 agencies in the country hove earned their accreditation status as a crisis center provider and ensures individuals who are in crisis, as well as local and state governments funding crisis programs, that CRISIS SERVICES is delivering services according to nationally recognized standards.

“We are pleased to be one of the first centers to be reviewed under the newest set of standards released from AAS. This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our staff, Managers and Leadership to ensure we are acting in accordance with the best practice standards in our field. We do this in the hopes to be the best crisis responders to the community we serve. Kudos to our team for this tremendous effort and recognition!” said Robyn Wiktorski – Reynolds, Vice President of Clinical Operations.

ABOUT   SUICIDE   PREVENTION   ANO   CRISIS   SERVICE, INC.   (CRISIS   SERVICES}:

Crisis Services is there for Western New Yorkers during the most difficult times in their lives. We are an ever-present lifeline and the first responders to anyone in crisis: those struggling with mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, thoughts of suicide, as well as victims of domestic or sexual violence. We don’t stop at intervention. We proactively connect individuals in crisis and their families with education and prevention programs. Whether we meet someone at the beginning of a struggle or at its height, we save lives. To learn more, visit http://crisisservices.org/ or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and lnstagram.

“lt is our pleasure to add CRISIS SERVICES to our list of accredited crisis programs across the United States,” said AAS President & Chief Executive Officer Leeann Sherman, MP, CAE. “This is a testament to quality of care that CRISIS SERVICES offers to those in need.”

About American Association of Suicidology:

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership­ based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, anda variety of laypersons who hove an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.

Crisis Services Media Contact:

Cameron Burns

Community Education & Outreach Coordinator

cburns@crisisservices.org

American Association of Suicidology Media Contact:

Chris Cosentino

Chief Marketing Officer ccosentino@suicidology.org