Spurred on by over 250 high school students and over 300 members of MHA affiliates, first responder groups, AFSP colleagues, college students, and other advocates, this Wednesday will be the largest event in our Mental Health Matters history. With almost one hundred legislative meetings on top of our event and rally, there will be no doubt the Legislators and Executive Staff will know that MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!
Sullivan 180 and Fallsburg Hope Squad to attend
Mental Health Matters Day in Albany
March 9, 2026
3:59 am
Mid-Hudson News Staff
LIBERTY- Sullivan 180 and Fallsburg Hope Squad will represent Sullivan County at “Mental Health Matters Day” in connection with the Mental Health Association of New York State in Albany on March 11. The event brings together students, educators, and mental health advocates from across New York State to highlight the importance of mental wellness and the need for accessible, effective support systems. Together, they will be advocating for stronger mental health resources and awareness in schools and communities.
Sullivan 180 is participating in a three-year pilot with the New York State Office of Mental Health to bring Hope Squad to local middle and high schools. Sullivan 180’s Youth Mental Health Program has supported the implementation of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiative that fosters connection while breaking down mental health stigma, in both Fallsburg and Eldred Middle & High Schools. Students from Fallsburg’s Hope Squad will showcase how they use peer support to advocate for meaningful changes in school mental health resources. A key component of Mental Health Matters Day is the opportunity for students to meet with state legislators. Fallsburg Hope Squad members will engage directly with policymakers, sharing their perspectives and advocating for policies that strengthen school mental health resources.
“Mental Health Matters Day allows our Hope Squad students to step into leadership roles, share real teen perspectives, and advocate for stronger mental health support in our schools,” said Hope Squad Advisor Kristen Meyer. “It reinforces that their voices matter and that they can help shift the conversation around mental health toward understanding, connection, and hope.”
“Mental Health Matters Day reminds us that advocacy starts with listening and taking action,” added Mylene Ortiz, Youth Mental Health Program Manager at Sullivan 180. “Programs like Hope Squad empower students to support one another and to have their voices heard in shaping healthier school communities.”
