BC SAFE

10/15/2026

💜 Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and accepted.

Today is , and October is National Bullying Prevention Month. BC SAFE encourages our community to help make our schools, homes, and online spaces places where everyone belongs.

Support can start with everyday actions:
💜 Speak up against hurtful comments and bullying.
💜 Listen and take young people’s concerns seriously.
💜 Include someone who is being left out.
💜 Be a trusted adult who follows through when help is needed.

To LGBTQ+ youth across Broome County: You matter. You belong. You deserve kindness and respect—today and every day.

Wear purple or share this message to show your support! 💜

10/12/2026

📺 BC SAFE in the news!

Thank you to WBNG 12 News for welcoming Heidi Mikeska and Brittany Riso to reflect on this year’s Chalk the Walk, Have the Talk campaign and highlight su***de prevention in our community! 💜

To every school, community partner, sponsor, volunteer, and participant who helped spread hope thank you. September may be over, but the conversation continues year-round. The world is brighter with you in it! 🌎✨

🎥 Watch the interview: https://www.wbng.com/2026/10/07/broome-county-mental-health-talks-bc-safe-su***de-prevention/

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Heidi Mikeska and Brittany Riso from the Broome County Mental Health Department came on to talk about the results of Chalk the Walk and Su***de Prevention Month.

10/10/2026

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day!

This year’s WHO theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” reminds us that people who have experienced mental health challenges bring valuable knowledge—and deserve a voice in shaping mental health support.

We believe building a more supportive Broome County starts with listening, making room for honest conversations, and challenging stigma together. Everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and connected. 💚

Today and every day, listen without judgment, check in with someone you care about, and remember: your mental health matters.

🌎 Learn more: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2026

10/07/2026

A much needed reminder from our friends at The Journey Through Psychological Services, LLC!

Consider this your October permission slip: you are allowed to slow down 🍂

A full calendar isn’t always a sign that things are going well and an open space doesn’t always need to be filled.

You can leave room to rest. Take longer to make a decision. Say no to something you technically could fit in. Spend an evening doing absolutely nothing productive.

Slowing down doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing or moving forward. Sometimes it gives you the space to notice what you need and make room for what actually matters.

You don’t have to earn the right to rest.

Permission granted 💙

10/05/2026

Some wonderful ideas for slowing down from our friends at Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. Give a thumbs up if you plan to or have already done some of these! 🍁🍂

10/04/2026

Today, BC SAFE had the honor of joining the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Greater Central NY Chapter Out of the Darkness Walk. We’re grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside so many community members who are committed to raising awareness, supporting those impacted by su***de, and creating a community where no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

Every conversation matters. Every connection matters. Every step toward prevention matters.
Thank you to everyone who walked, volunteered, shared their stories, and continues to make su***de prevention a priority in our community. 💙
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09/30/2026

🎨💜 The chalk may fade, but the message stays: The World is Brighter with You in It.

As Su***de Prevention Month comes to a close, we’re wrapping up this year’s Chalk the Walk, Have the Talk campaign with gratitude for our Broome County community!

To everyone who created artwork, shared a message of hope, started a conversation, volunteered, or supported this campaign—THANK YOU! Our participants, community partners, sponsors, and judges helped bring this year’s theme to life and remind our neighbors that they matter.

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 art contest winners, whose artwork is featured here, and to our honorable mentions! Thank you to every artist who shared their creativity and heart with us.

This campaign is ending, but the conversations continue. Keep checking in, listening with compassion, and reminding one another that seeking support is a sign of strength. Hope and connection belong in every season. 💜

09/25/2026

Come see us and celebrate the beautiful work across Broome County!! 💜

Come out and view some beautiful artwork created by members of our community!

The Chalk the Walk gallery art show is on Tuesday, September 29th from 6-7pm at the Broome County Public Library.

Contest winners will be announced. Good luck everyone!!