08/31/2026
September begins tomorrow and we're ready to kick off Su***de Prevention and Recovery Month! How about you?! Coffee sleeves are in process of being distributed to participating business!
The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) Deputy Director and Hope Speaks Niagara (HSN) Community Coalition Chair Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced today the launch of the “You Matter!” Coffee Sleeve Campaign as one of several September Su***de Prevention and Recovery Month Activities organized by the Department in collaboration with HSN.
This is the fourth year of partnering with local coffee shops, stops, schools and area businesses to distribute coffee sleeves with their hot beverages featuring:
• Niagara County 24-Hour Crisis Line: (716) 285-3515
• National 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
• Message: “You Matter!”
• QR Code directing the community to the Well Niagara app’s corresponding webpage to learn how to download the app or to utilize the site to find valuable information on local supports and resources.
“In every day places, businesses and community partners can make a powerful impact by meeting people where they are,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH Director, “Showing compassion, facilitating connection, and sharing a hopeful message that remind every person they matter. Together, we can End Stigma, Build Hope and Save Lives.”
“Community partnerships turn hope into meaningful action and action speaks volumes” said Gibbons Doxey, “When the community comes together to champion simple, visible efforts like this coffee sleeve campaign, they help create a culture where reaching out for support is normalized, encouraged, and celebrated.”
By participating in this simple initiative, the Niagara County businesses can collectively make a positive impact in the lives of thousands in our community.
Approximately 16,000 coffee sleeves will be distributed to the following participating businesses:
Lewiston, NY:
DiCamillo Bakery at 535 Center Street
Orange Cat at 703 Center Street
Village Bake Shoppe at 417 Center Street
Lockport, NY
Cornerstone Arena at 1 Grigg Lewis Way
Freedom Church at 5676 Beattie Road
Gypsy Kitchen at 5881 S. Transit Road
Kith & Kin at 5850 S. Transit Road
Steamworks Coffee at 51 Canal Street
Middleport, NY:
Alternative Grounds at 17 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY:
DiCamillo Bakery at 7927 Niagara Falls Blvd
DiCamillo Bakery at 811 Linwood Avenue
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Cafeteria at 621 Tenth Street
North Tonawanda, NY
Coffee & Stone at 54 Webster Street
Coffee Holiday at 7296 Schultz Road
Little Black Heart Coffee at 321 Oliver Street
Namaste Counseling at 84 Sweeney Street
Platter’s Chocolate Factory at 908 Niagara Falls Blvd
Studio 14120 at 603 Division Street #31
Olcott, NY
Dragonfly Express at 5955 Ontario Street
Olcott Food Market at 5764 W Lake Rd
Pendleton, NY
Craft Coffee House at 6612 Campbell Blvd
Ransomville, NY
Wandering Gypsy at 3301 Brayley Road
Sanborn, NY
Buffalo Coffee Roastery at 5844 Buffalo Street
Niagara Wheatfield School District at 2292 Saunders Settlement Road
Tonawanda, NY
Donut Craze at 129 Main Street
Youngstown, NY
Sanger Farms at 852 Lockport Road
About 2,000 more coffee sleeves are available for other interested Niagara County entities who wish to participate. Simply send an email to [email protected] with the Subject Line Coffee Sleeve Campaign with your contact information.
Why It Matters:
Su***de affects every community. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can experience suicidal thoughts, and although discussing this topic can be challenging, engaging in open and genuine conversations about su***de can enhance awareness and potentially save lives.
In January 2026, HSN was established following the merger of the Niagara County Su***de Prevention Coalition and the Niagara County OASIS (Opioid) Task Force Public Awareness Advisory Panel. The HSN’s mission is to unite organizations, communities and individuals in a collaborative effort to reduce harm, prevent deaths, and end stigma around mental health and substance use related concerns. Through diverse, hope-centered initiatives, we break down barriers to care, increase access to live-saving resources, promote education and advocacy, and ensure everyone is met with empathy, respect, and the tools to thrive.
Data collected through the New York State Department of Health Connector shows the rate for su***de per 100,000 population in 2023 slightly decreased in New York State compared to 2022, but increased in Niagara County. Additionally, Niagara County’s su***de rate was higher than several other NYS counties. Su***de affects individuals in Niagara County across age groups and genders and specifically impacts LGBTQ and rural communities.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the Niagara County Crisis Services 24-Hour phone line for free, confidential support, guidance, information, referral and interventions as needed at (716) 285-3515 or 988. There is Help; There Hope! Recovery is Possible.
