[Important Information for Students] SUNY Plattsburgh Awarded Mental Health First Aid Grant

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that SUNY Plattsburgh has been selected as one of 27
campuses across the SUNY system to receive funding through the SUNY Mental
Health First Aid Grant Program.

This investment is significant for our campus and closely aligned with our
mission. At SUNY Plattsburgh, we know that student success depends not only
on academic excellence, but also on a strong foundation of care,
connection, and support. Mental health is central to our students’ ability
to learn, persist, and thrive, and this grant strengthens our collective
capacity to respond with awareness, compassion, and confidence when
students need support.

Mental Health First Aid training equips faculty and staff across campus
with practical, evidence-based tools to recognize signs of distress, engage
in supportive conversations, and connect students with appropriate
resources. By expanding this training beyond clinical settings, we
reinforce a shared responsibility for student well-being and create a
campus culture where students are seen, supported, and not left to navigate
challenges alone.

I am grateful to Chancellor King, the SUNY Board of Trustees, and our state
partners for their continued leadership and investment in student mental
health, and to our campus colleagues whose ongoing work makes initiatives
like this both meaningful and impactful.

Please see the announcement below from SUNY for additional details about
the Mental Health First Aid Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Enyedi
President


**************************************************************



*For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 8, 2026*

Contact: Holly Liapis, Holly.Liapis at suny.edu, (518) 477-0757





*SUNY Chancellor King Announces Mental Health First Aid Grants to Support
Student Mental Health and Well-Being*



*Investment will Strengthen Mental Health Literacy and Crisis Intervention
Capacity across SUNY Campuses*



*Albany, NY — *State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr.
today announced awards through SUNY’s Mental Health First Aid Grant
Program, providing targeted funding to strengthen campus-wide approaches to
student mental health and well-being across the SUNY System. The program
will award up to $8,000 grants to 27 SUNY campuses, including 16
state-operated campuses and 11 community colleges. On an annual basis, when
fully implemented, the funding is estimated to support the delivery of
Mental Health First Aid training for almost 3,000 faculty, staff, and other
non-clinical campus personnel, expanding campus capacity to recognize and
respond to students in distress.



“Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every
aspect of our students’ growth and to ensure they have the support needed
to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal development,” *said
SUNY Chancellor King*. “The grants provided through this innovative program
will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and
address mental health concerns and to support students in need.”



*The SUNY Board of Trustees said,* “SUNY students and their loved ones
deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are supports and
staff available to assist in case of mental health challenges or distress.
This grant program will help ensure more faculty and SUNY personnel
throughout the state will receive important training to take action and
help those experiencing mental health distress.”



The Mental Health First Aid Grant Program was first announced as part of
Chancellor King’s 2025 State of the University Policy Agenda
<https://www.suny.edu/media/suny/content-assets/documents/chancellor/SUNY-State-of-the-University-PolicyAgenda-2025.pdf#page=29>
and
reflects the SUNY Board of Trustees’ ongoing commitment to proactive,
systemwide strategies that support student mental health. By extending
training beyond campus counseling centers, this initiative equips faculty
and staff with practical tools to provide timely, informed support and
connect students with appropriate professional resources.



The grant funding announced by SUNY will support the creation and expansion
of campus Mental Health First Aid programming, including instructor
certification, campus-wide training delivery, required materials, and
outreach efforts to strengthen mental health literacy. Campuses with
existing Mental Health First Aid programs are encouraged to use the funding
to expand training for additional students, faculty, and staff and, where
appropriate, provide training opportunities to neighboring SUNY campuses.



*Tramaine El-Amin, Vice President of Mental Health First Aid, said, *“Faculty
and staff are often the first to notice when a student is struggling, and
they deserve practical, evidence-based tools to respond with confidence and
care. These grants will help 27 SUNY campuses expand Mental Health First
Aid training, so more educators and frontline staff can recognize the signs
of mental health and substance use challenges, start supportive
conversations, and connect people to appropriate resources. SUNY is making
an important investment in campus wellbeing and in the everyday moments
when being prepared can make a difference.”



Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training
program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond
to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The
training emphasizes early recognition, supportive response, and connection
to professional help, reinforcing SUNY’s focus on prevention, awareness,
and coordinated care. Additionally, the training will also include SUNY
produced culturally competent supplemental materials.



*State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes said,* “The mental
health of our young people is one of my top priorities this legislative
session. We want our young people to succeed at school and in their future
and being able to manage the ups and downs in life goes a long way in
helping to foster that success. With the Mental Health First Aid Grant
Program, SUNY is helping to expand mental health resources to our college
students across the state.”



*State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair
said,* “On today’s SUNY campuses, the first person a student opens up to is
often not a clinician—it's a professor, an advisor, or a staff member they
trust. This investment gives 27 SUNY campuses the ability to train nearly
3,000 frontline employees to recognize warning signs early and respond
appropriately. These grants are about meeting students where they are and
making sure help is not out of reach when it matters most.”



*State Senator Jacob Ashby said, *“Everyone wants to help a person in
crisis. This investment will make sure that, at Hudson Valley and on
campuses across the state, faculty and staff know how to do so effectively.
These trainings are very important. This is a prudent, targeted investment
that will undoubtedly save lives and is in keeping with our bipartisan
commitment to enhancing mental healthcare for our young people.”



*State Senator George Borrello said, *“Our colleges are not just places of
learning, they are communities, and when students are struggling, we have a
responsibility to make sure the people around them are prepared to help.
I’m very pleased to see SUNY Fredonia, Jamestown Community College, and
Genesee Community College included in this Mental Health First Aid Grant
program. This funding will give faculty and staff the tools to recognize
when a student is in distress, respond appropriately, and connect them with
real help before a crisis escalates. That kind of early intervention can
change lives, and it’s an important step toward making sure our campuses
are safer, more supportive places for every student.”



*State Senator Patricia Fahy said, *“Our nation's mental health crisis is
often most pronounced on our college campuses, with 41% of college students
nationally reporting experiencing varying levels of depression, and 36%
experiencing anxiety. For some, college can be both exciting and stressful,
underscoring the importance of meeting students where they are on campus
and enabling faculty and staff to rapidly spot and identify students who
may experiencing mental health crises. I'm proud to have supported this
funding in New York State's budget and I look forward to seeing how SUNY's
Mental Health First Aid Grant program will help even more college students
navigate their higher education, and life on campus, especially locally
here at the University of Albany, SUNY.”



*State Senator Michelle Hinchey said,* “Students today are navigating
unprecedented pressures, making it more important than ever that mental
health support is visible and woven into campus life so that faculty and
students are equipped to recognize when someone is struggling. I’m proud to
support this investment at SUNY New Paltz, and on campuses across the
state, and grateful to Chancellor King for making student mental health a
clear priority.”



*State Senator Monica Martinez said, *“College is a time of excitement,
possibility, and growth, but it can also be a challenging period in a
person’s life. These grants will help SUNY campuses, including Farmingdale
State College, respond more effectively to the mental health challenges
students face. I am grateful for SUNY’s focus on student well-being and
their academic success.”



*State Senator Rachel May said,* “With so much happening both inside and
outside the classroom, college life can be stressful. Training additional
SUNY personnel to better support students in managing the challenges of
college life is crucial. It helps students enjoy a more productive, happier
college experience and equips them with mental health tools to handle
stressors throughout their careers. Thank you to Chancellor King and
everyone in the SUNY system who prioritize our students’ mental health.”



*State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, *“The State and SUNY's investment in
Mental Health programs, treatment and care, especially for students, is an
important part of our combined efforts to foster a healthier New York. The
Mental Health First Aid Grant program will provide Stony Brook University
and campuses across the state with crucial training and resources to meet
the mental health challenges of students and support them in their time of
need.”



*State Senator Christopher J. Ryan said, *“This funding represents an
important step toward a more comprehensive and supportive approach to
student mental health in New York State. By expanding training across
campuses, SUNY is strengthening support systems, reducing stigma, and
ensuring that our colleges are better equipped to meet all of the needs of
our students. When schools offer better care for their students, it makes
it easier for students to thrive both academically and personally. I’d like
to thank Chancellor King for reinforcing SUNY’s commitment to student
support and success.”



*State Senator Jim Tedisco said,* “We know there is a mental health crisis
in our state and these grants will help train SUNY Schenectady staff in
helping to meet the needs of students to get them the assistance and
support they need to lead healthy and successful lives.”



*State Senator Lea Webb said, *“I applaud Chancellor King for instituting
the Mental Health First Aid Grant Program on SUNY campuses. This nationally
recognized and evidence-based program will deliver critical training for
faculty and staff to ensure that students in crisis receive timely and
appropriate assistance. As a member of the Senate's Mental Health
Committee, I was proud to support funding for this program in last year’s
state budget. I am proud that SUNY Binghamton and Tompkins Cortland
Community College will benefit from these critical mental health resources.
Investing in mental health education strengthens our campus communities and
ensures students have access to timely, compassionate support.”



*State Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, *“Investing in student mental
health means making sure help is available when and where students need it.
These Mental Health First Aid grants, including support for Onondaga
Community College, will help train faculty and staff across SUNY to better
recognize signs of distress and respond with care and confidence. By
equipping nearly 3,000 campus professionals with these tools, SUNY is
taking a meaningful step to strengthen support systems and ensure students
do not have to navigate mental health challenges alone.”



*State Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, *“I am pleased to see SUNY’s
continued investment in student mental health through the Mental Health
First Aid Grant Program. This funding will strengthen campus communities by
equipping faculty and staff with the tools to recognize students in
distress and connect them with appropriate support. I am especially proud
that both Stony Brook University, which serves students in our district,
and my alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, are among the campuses receiving this
grant.”



*State Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, *“Having worked in community
mental health education myself, I recognize the importance of this type of
investment. I'm glad to hear that 27 SUNY campuses, including Binghamton
University, will benefit from this new program. This funding will help
provide the training and resources necessary for a comprehensive approach
to mental health on campuses across the state. Efforts like this will be
well-received and definitely well-utilized.”



*State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh* *said,* “These Mental
Health First Aid grants help ensure that students are met with
understanding and timely support when they need it most. I commend SUNY for
investing in prevention and mental health literacy resources that
strengthen campus communities across our state.”



*State Assemblymember Brian Miller said,* “As a member of the Assembly
Committee on Higher Education, I strongly support efforts that expand
mental health resources for our SUNY students. This targeted investment
will equip faculty and staff with the tools necessary to support students,
including right here in the 122nd Assembly District at SUNY Oneonta.
Strengthening our campus safety nets is critical, and I’m pleased to see
SUNY taking proactive steps to support student well-being. Thank you to
Chancellor King and SUNY for the continued investment for our students.”



*State Assemblymember Kwani B. O’Pharrow said, *“I strongly support SUNY’s
Mental Health First Aid Grant program and the critical investment it
represents in student well-being. By expanding mental health training for
faculty and staff across SUNY campuses—including Farmingdale State
College—this funding will strengthen early identification and effective
response efforts, ensuring students receive the support they need to
succeed and thrive in higher education.”



*State Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, *“Mental health support is
an essential part of any community, and this extends to our college
campuses. No student should feel alone. That’s why I’m proud to support
SUNY’s Mental Health First Aid Program, which is giving grants to 27
campuses in New York State. This program provides important training that
will help ensure campus personnel can respond effectively to students’
needs here in my Assembly District at UAlbany and other SUNY schools across
the state. As a state representative, I am committed to supporting
initiatives that keep New Yorkers safe and healthy. I’m glad to see
effective measures such as this being taken by SUNY.”



*State Assemblymember Joe Sempolinski said, *“I want to thank Chancellor
King for making these Mental Health First Aid training grants to 27 SUNY
campuses across New York, including Alfred State College. As Ranking Member
of the Assembly Mental Health Committee and a member of the Higher
Education Committee, I know how important it is to take a proactive
approach to student mental health and well-being. This training will help
SUNY faculty, staff and students recognize when someone is in distress and
respond appropriately.”



*State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, *“Higher education provides an
opportunity to provide critical services to people—in addition to education
and professional training—and to do so at a pivotal time in their lives.
That is why I supported funding to launch the SUNY Mental Health First Aid
grant program. I anticipate that we will see immediate benefits from this
investment, and I thank Chancellor King for his leadership and dedication
to the wellbeing of our SUNY and CUNY students.”



The SUNY campuses which will receive grants through the Mental Health First
Aid Grant Program include:

   - State University of New York at Albany
   - Alfred State College
   - State University of New York at Binghamton
   - SUNY Brockport
   - State University of New York at Buffalo
   - Clinton Community College
   - Farmingdale State College
   - Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
   - SUNY Fredonia
   - Genesee Community College
   - SUNY Geneseo
   - Hudson Valley Community College
   - Jamestown Community College
   - SUNY Maritime College
   - SUNY Morrisville
   - SUNY New Paltz
   - SUNY Niagara Community College
   - SUNY Oneonta
   - Onondaga Community College
   - SUNY College of Optometry
   - SUNY Oswego
   - SUNY Plattsburgh
   - SUNY Schenectady County Community College
   - State University of New York at Stony Brook
   - Sullivan County Community College
   - Tompkins Cortland Community College
   - Westchester Community College



SUNY has led efforts to support students’ mental health and to advance
efforts to train more mental health professionals in New York State. Thanks
to increased State investment in SUNY, the SUNY Board of Trustees now
allocates nearly $10 million in recurring annual funding to support
state-operated campuses in expanding mental health services and $3 million
in recurring annual funding to support mental health services at community
colleges. SUNY also has an easy-to-use website to support students who may
be struggling with mental health distress to identify support services and
available resources. In July 2025, Chancellor King announced the fourth
class of SUNY/OMH Scholarship Program recipients
<https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/7-25/7-28-25-suny-omh-scholarship-program/index.html>,
as part of the SUNY effort to strengthen the pipeline of mental health
professionals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on serving New Yorkers
who may have historically lacked access to quality mental health care.



*About the State University of New York*

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of
higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New
Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and
universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers,
five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the
country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of
optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital
literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory.
In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of
credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education,
and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic
research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5
billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from
students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni
worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY
alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu
<https://www.suny.edu/>.



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