09/11/2026
Twenty-five years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were taken in an instant. Among them was our own—Laura Marie Ragonese-Snik of Bangor, 41, who worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, Northampton County stands with families across Pennsylvania and our nation in remembering every life lost, every hero who answered the call, and every community forever changed. We honor Laura, her husband, and all who grieve her absence. We remember the first responders, the passengers of Flight 93, and all whose courage defined a generation.
In the face of shared adversity, we also recognize that grief, trauma, and mental health struggles do not end with a single day of remembrance. They live on in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and our homes. And so does hope.
That’s why this September, Northampton County’s Department of Human Services is launching “Hope Starts Here”—a countywide su***de prevention campaign marking National Su***de Prevention Month with a simple but powerful symbol: 1,000 purple rubber ducks placed throughout our communities.
Why purple ducks? Purple represents hope, resilience, and the courage to speak up about mental health. The ducks—scattered across parks, businesses, municipal buildings, and public spaces—are a visible reminder that no one walks alone. Just as our community came together 25 years ago to support one another through unimaginable loss, we come together today to say: Your life matters. Your story isn’t over. Help is here.
Through this campaign, we’re raising awareness of the free, confidential services Northampton County offers:
• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, 24/7, for immediate support
• LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Su***de Survivors) – Trained volunteers who provide compassionate, peer-based support to those grieving a su***de loss
• Behavioral health and crisis services – Counseling, care coordination, and community-based mental health resources for individuals and families
• Su***de Prevention Task Force partnerships – Collaborative outreach with schools, faith groups, first responders, and local organizations to expand prevention efforts.
The purple ducks you’ll spot around town are more than a visual reminder—they’re an invitation. An invitation to reach out, to start a conversation, and to connect someone to care. Whether you’re a survivor of loss, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our team is here to help.
From tragedy to resilience, from remembrance to action—hope starts here.
💜 Learn more or get help: https://preventsu***depa.org/task-force-county-init/northampton/
📞 In crisis? Call or text 988
***dePreventionMonth
