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Over the last couple of months, many have been talking about the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why," in which a teenage girl lays out the reasons why she committed suicide.
With more than 200 people of all ages making that choice in Albany County between 2011 and 2015, local officials are trying to get the message out that help is available.
Becky Carman with the Shenendehowa School District was asked how to get young people to come forward and accept help, she says that's where parents can make a difference by having that talk with their son or daughter, no matter how difficult the subject might be.
Officials say the biggest message they want to send is that they're here, they care and they're listening.
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy says "We created the HOPE app a couple of years ago so that if you need help or know someone who does, you can see the warning signs, find out what to say or get a phone number that you can click through to talk to someone immediately.”
The app is available through the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
Information, including a Community Resource Directory for Mental Health Services, is available by calling the Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Mental Health Division at 518-447-4550.