Niagara County announces 4th year of 'You Matter!' coffee sleeve campaign

Part of Suicide Prevention & Recovery Month

Submitted by the Niagara County Public Information Office

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Deputy Director and Hope Speaks Niagara Community Coalition Chair Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced the launch of the “You Matter!” coffee sleeve campaign as one of several September Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month Activities organized by the NCDMH 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 Suicide & 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 everyday 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.”

Gibbons Doxey said, “Community partnerships turn hope into meaningful action, and action speaks volumes. 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

• DiCamillo Bakery at 535 Center St.
• Orange Cat at 703 Center St.
• Village Bake Shoppe at 417 Center St.

•Lockport

• 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 St.

•Middleport:

• Alternative Grounds at 17 Main St.

•Niagara Falls:

• DiCamillo Bakery at 7927 Niagara Falls Blvd.
• DiCamillo Bakery at 811 Linwood Ave.
• Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center cafeteria at 621 Tenth St.

•North Tonawanda

• Coffee & Stone at 54 Webster St.
• Coffee Holiday at 7296 Schultz Road
• Little Black Heart Coffee at 321 Oliver St.
• Namaste Counseling at 84 Sweeney St.
• Platter’s Chocolate Factory at 908 Niagara Falls Blvd.
• Studio 14120 at 603 Division St., No. 31

•Olcott

• Dragonfly Express at 5955 Ontario St.
• Olcott Food Market at 5764 W. Lake Road

•Pendleton

• Craft Coffee House at 6612 Campbell Blvd.

•Ransomville

• Wandering Gypsy at 3301 Brayley Road

•Sanborn

• Buffalo Coffee Roastery at 5844 Buffalo St.
• Niagara Wheatfield School District at 2292 Saunders Settlement Road

•Tonawanda

• Donut Craze at 129 Main St.

•Youngstown

• Sanger Farms at 852 Lockport Road

About 2,000 more coffee sleeves are available for other interested Niagara County entities that wish to participate. Simply send an email to NCDMH@niagaracounty.gov with the subject line: Coffee Sleeve Campaign, and your contact information.

Why it matters

Suicide 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 suicide can enhance awareness and potentially save lives.

In January 2026, HSN was established following the merger of the Niagara County Suicide 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 suicide per 100,000 population in 2023 slightly decreased in New York compared to 2022, but increased in Niagara County. Additionally, Niagara County’s suicide rate was higher than several other state counties. Suicide 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 is hope; recovery is possible.”