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MASSENA, N.Y. -- Massena's Police Chief is among those making a strong push to prevent suicide in their community.

There has been a steady increase in the number of suicides in Massena over the past few years. So Police Chief Tim Currier and local church leaders have developed the “We Care” suicide prevention center.

Currier hopes the existence of the center will not only lead to a decrease in the amount of suicides in the area, but all mental health incidents.

Walk in center volunteers have all completed a two day intensive program that teaches caregivers how to prevent a suicide.

Currier said, "They're not mental health professionals and in no way be dealing with that piece of treatment and assistance that's going on in our community. These are, however, resourcefully trained spiritual leaders that can direct people who need physical, emotional and psychological help."

"This shows that with leadership and with some vision that we can tackle challenges and problems, particularly when we're dealing with troubled times and times of economic challenge these issues really come forefront," said State Senator Joseph Griffo.

Griffo also attended the event to show support.

We Care volunteers are available Thursday afternoons at the Downtown Outreach Center on Main Street in Massena.