MEDIA ADVISORY
WHEN: Thursday, May 28
TIME: 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Turnpike Elementary School
55 New Turnpike Rd
Troy, NY 12182
WHO:
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan,
Mental Health Association in New York State CEO Glenn Liebman,
Educators and students from Rensselaer and Lansingburgh high schools, and others.
WHAT: Dr. Sullivan will join advocates, school officials, and students to discuss the important role Teen Mental Health First Aid training can play in addressing behavioral health challenges among peers. The state Office of Mental Health will show a short video spotlighting the program that the agency produced in conjunction with students and educators from the Rensselaer and Lansingburgh districts along with staff from MHANYS. Speakers and students will be available for interviews following the short program.
BACKGROUND: New York State has invested $17.5 million to expand Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid programs. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify and address behavioral health issues in young people, while the teen training educates youth on how to assist peers who are experiencing these struggles. This training also helps to address the stigma young people sometimes associate with mental health issues. So far, about 3,150 adults and 6,100 teens have been trained, with another 25,000 youth on track to be certified with existing investments. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed greatly expanding this training to reach all 10th graders over the next four years, offering critical support for approximately 180,000 students.
SPECIAL NOTE: Members of the media are asked to bring valid identification to access the school building.
Contact:
Justin Mason
OMH Director of Communications
Justin.Mason@omh.ny.gov
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New York State Office of Mental Health
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