A tradition for nearly three decades, advocates visit Albany to rally support for critical investments and programs that support mental health and suicide prevention in communities across New York State.
MHANYS is partnering for this event with the New York chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Every year, the number of attendees continues to grow, representing communities from across New York State, including mental health professionals, advocates, a large contingent of high school and college students, faculty, and educators, first responders, MHANYS affiliate members, and members and volunteers with AFSP.
2025 Mental Health Matters Day
Presenters
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan, MD
New York State Education Department Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy Jeffrey Matteson
Senator Samra Brouk, Chair of Mental Health Committee
Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of Alcoholism & Substance Use Disorders Committee
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Chair of Mental Health
Assemblymember Anna Kelles, PhD
Jacob Wolmetz, Youth Representative, Junior at Hauppauge High School (Northwell Health – Cohen Strong Mental Health)
Cohen Miles-Rath, Keynote Speaker
Jim Allard, Sheriff of Steuben County
Officer George Hill
School/College Groups
Cairo-Durham
Catskill Central School District
Greenville Central School District
Northwell – Cohen Strong Mental Health
Pelham Together
Poughkeepsie School District
Siena College
MHANYS Affiliates
Association for Mental Health & Wellness
Mental Health Advocates of Western New York
Mental Health Association of Genesee & Orleans Counties
Mental Health Association of Jefferson County
MHA in Fulton & Montgomery Counties
MHA in Orange County
MHA in Putnam County
MHA in Ulster County
MHA of Dutchess County
MHA of Nassau County
Vibrant
First Responders
New York National Guard
Columbia Sheriff’s Office
Firefighters Association of New York State (FASNY)
NYS Sheriffs Institute
Saratoga Springs Police Department
Schenectady County Auxiliary Police OEM
Steuben County Sheriff’s Office
Warren County Sheriff’s Office
Community Providers
AFSP WENY Chapter
Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY)
Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of Finger Lakes
Northern Rivers
Northwell Health
Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health
Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County
The Addictions Care Center of Albany
Girl Scout Troop 2121
Kerboom Kidz
