The Healing Garden, Unveiled During Mental Health Awareness Month, will Create a Safe Space for Family Members and Loved Ones of those who Died by Suicide
Watch the full News Conference Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM9NABHuqrw
In September 2022, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Westchester County Government broke ground on The Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park. The tranquil site was created to build awareness of suicide prevention, and create a safe space for reflection for family members and loved ones of those who ended their lives by suicide. Now, in recognition of the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, County Executive George Latimer held a formal unveiling ceremony to officially welcome the public to the Healing Garden.
Latimer said: “I am very proud to welcome everyone to visit The Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park – the result of a promise we made to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We wanted to create a peaceful site for reflection for family members and friends, and help address the stigma that is often attached to suicide – a key initiative of Mental Health Awareness Month. I hope that when a survivor of suicide is having a difficult day, they come to this beautiful space and seek comfort and solace in their surroundings. Let this garden help people to ‘heal,’ and rekindle happy memories while they are here.”
The Healing Garden is the result of a planning committee Latimer appointed in 2021 to provide him with recommendations for a memorial site, and is introduced in partnership with the Westchester County Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH), Parks, Recreation and Conservation, NAMI Westchester and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
The Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park consists of a variety of trees, a pathway and benches in a circular shape. The Garden is situated within a serene setting, and is intended as a gathering place for family, friends and the public to contemplate and reflect on those who have been lost to suicide, and for the education and awareness of suicide prevention.
Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth said: “We are greatly appreciative of County Executive Latimer’s for making mental health and wellness a top priority for our County. It has been a true honor working with our planning committee and offering a place for family and friends to gather and honor their loved ones, and help to stop the stigma of suicide and mental illness.”
Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale is the perfect setting for The Healing Garden, as it is centrally located in Westchester and free to access all year round. The 236-acre park in our beautiful parks system is ideal for visits by families and friends, and is also the site of NAMI’s annual mental health walk. We hope it will be utilized by anyone who is grieving, and needs a tranquil place to heal from loss.”
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi said: “Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a difficult challenge that unfortunately, nearly everyone will experience during their lifetime. The Healing Garden provides a quiet place for people to reflect, and remember those loved ones who are no longer with us. I thank County Executive George Latimer and our Department of Community Mental Health for ensuring that mental health remains a top priority in Westchester.”
Executive Director of NAMI Westchester Marie Considine said: “We at NAMI Westchester know firsthand that although all of us have mental health, not everyone experiences a crisis. Families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide often call us, and we give them help and hope. Often they are in distress, plus not having, or only having, a graveside to visit can increase feelings of sadness. The Westchester Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park will be a safe, calm, comforting space in nature to support anyone as they deal with feelings of loss, sadness or any reason to visit.”
Latimer’s planning committee consisted of appointed members including survivors, advocates of suicide prevention and awareness efforts, and leadership from County Departments. The committee members are as follows:
Barbara Bernstein MHA of Westchester
Marie Considine NAMI Westchester
Jill Costa DCMH
Laura Davis Survivor/Family Member
Dawn Yancy Elleby Survivor/Family Member
Lucille & Roy Ettere Survivor/Family Member
Silvia Giliotti NYS Office of Mental Health
Ellen Hendrickx Survivor/Family Member & Westchester County Ex. Office
Maria Idoni American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Mid-Hudson
Aviva Meyer Westchester County Executive’s Office
Kathleen O’Connor Commissioner Westchester Parks & Recreation
Michael Orth Commissioner Westchester County DCMH
For additional information regarding the Healing Garden at Ridge Road Park please contact: Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) at (914) 995-5225 or email