Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness donates $2K to OCH Foundation
Press Release, Orleans Community Health Foundation
Provided photo: Pictured during the $2,000 check presentation are event organizer Ike Fuller Watts; Kim Grey, Chief Nursing Officer at Orleans Community Health; and Jason Watts, Ike’s husband and a volunteer for the event.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation recently received a generous $2,000 donation from the Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle and 5K Fun Run/Walk. The funds will benefit behavioral health programs and patients receiving behavioral health services through Orleans Community Health’s primary care clinics.
The fourth annual event, held in September in memory of Erin Fuller, brought together community members, volunteers, and local businesses to raise awareness about suicide prevention, promote mental health, and encourage open conversations about seeking help. This year’s event saw its largest turnout to date and included a 5K Fun Run/Walk for the first time.
The donation comes at an important time as Orleans Community Health continues to expand access to behavioral health services throughout the community.
Behavioral health counseling services are now available within Orleans Community Health’s primary care clinics, providing patients with additional resources and support for their mental health needs. The organization is also preparing to introduce COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment), an evidence-based program designed to help adolescents and teens develop healthy coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Orleans Community Health is also exploring opportunities to offer the program in local schools.
Orleans Community Health is also participating in ROOTS-NY (Rural Outreach, Organizing, Training and Suicide Prevention), a four-year, $1.6 million initiative announced by the New York State Office of Mental Health to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in five rural counties, including Orleans.
The initiative focuses on reducing social isolation, improving access to mental health resources, and strengthening community partnerships. Beginning November 1, Orleans Community Health plans to introduce services within its clinics focused on adults ages 55 and older who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness. These efforts will include social prescribing, suicide screening and awareness, and support addressing depression and substance use.
“Access to mental health care is so important, especially in rural communities where resources can be limited,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “This generous donation will help us support patients who need behavioral health services while continuing to strengthen the programs and resources available right here in our community. We are incredibly grateful to the Fuller 155 organizers and everyone who supported this event for recognizing this need and taking action to make a difference.:
The Orleans Community Health Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the Fuller 155 organizers, volunteers, donors, and participants for their dedication to suicide awareness and their generosity in supporting local behavioral health services.
About Orleans Community Health Foundation
Orleans Community Health Foundation supports the mission of Orleans Community Health by raising funds to enhance patient care, expand access to healthcare services, and provide essential resources for patients and families throughout the communities it serves.
