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NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors Launches Third Year of Mental Health First Aid in Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project, Expanding to Eight New York Colleges

NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors Launches Third Year of Mental Health First Aid in Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project, Expanding to Eight New York Colleges

Albany, NY – April 24, 2026 – The New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors (“The Conference”), in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), has launched the third year of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project. Building on two years of OMH-funded efforts to expand MHFA training across New York State, the 2026 initiative focuses on vocational, technical, and profession-specific academic programs, with additional harm reduction education and support provided through OASAS.

Developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, MHFA is an evidence-based training program that teaches individuals how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. This training provides the skills necessary to offer initial support until professional help is available.

The Conference is grateful to OMH for its continued investment in Year 3, which makes it possible to expand the project’s reach and bring this training to students preparing for careers with well-documented elevated risks of suicide, trauma exposure, and substance use.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said,“Mental Health First Aid training provides critical tools and strategies to help individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This invaluable program has already empowered more than 650 students, faculty, and staff with the tools to help themselves and others face mental health and substance use challenges. We look forward to our continued partnership with OASAS, the Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, and county Directors of Community Services as we provide this training on additional campuses across New York. By continuing to expand Mental Health First Aid to more New Yorkers within a variety of organizations, we are building a state where no one has to confront a mental health crisis without strong support around them.”

The project connects state agencies, county Directors of Community Services (DCSs), and colleges to support implementation. As local behavioral health authorities, DCSs have statutory responsibility for overseeing the mental hygiene system in their counties and serve as the link between state agencies and the communities they serve. In Year 3, participating colleges will have the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with their local DCS, fostering the kind of ongoing community partnerships that help sustain this work beyond the project year.

The Conference’s Executive Director Courtney David said, “The Conference is proud to continue this important work alongside our State partners at OMH and OASAS, and we are grateful to OMH for continuing to support this essential project. By focusing on vocational and technical programs, we are reaching students at a critical point in their training, before they enter careers where behavioral health challenges are common.”

“The Office of Community Services for Warren and Washington Counties is pleased to partner with the Conference and SUNY Adirondack to bring Mental Health First Aid training and substance use prevention resources to our local college community. This initiative builds on our long-established relationship with SUNY Adirondack and has allowed faculty, staff, and students to access training that increases awareness of mental health and addiction issues and equips them to support others who may be struggling. We look forward to continuing this work for the benefit of our community.” — Robert York, LCSW, MPA, Director of Community Services, Office of Community Services for Warren and Washington Counties

“The collaboration between colleges and county mental health services truly makes a difference in the lives of students. By connecting campuses with the local behavioral health system, we’re able to offer early support and prevention, helping faculty, staff, and student leaders recognize when someone may need help. These partnerships empower our communities to take proactive steps in promoting mental health and resilience across campus.” — Ashlee Thompson, MHA, MSEd, CASAC-G, Commissioner of Mental Health, Director of Community Services for Oneida County

To supplement this project, the Conference works to connect participating colleges with OASAS and their local DCS to explore harm reduction education and resources that may be a good fit for their programs and student populations.

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “College students can be at a high risk for developing a substance use disorder. Quickly reaching individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can be an important step towards getting them the help they need. Further enhancements of this initiative will be important and will include increased access to harm reduction supplies, resources, and information. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners in this effort.”

Colleges that participated in earlier cohorts have seen meaningful results:

“It has been impactful for the campus community to have SUNY Broome Counselors trained in Mental Health First Aid. Participants have commented how the classes have been more meaningful because the Counselors are doing the training, versus someone from outside of the campus. The interactions between faculty, staff and students have broken down barriers that have, at times, stood in the way of individuals understanding mental health matters and what to do in a crisis.” — Melissa Martin, Chairperson of the Counseling Services Department, SUNY Broome

“Participating in the MHFA Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project has been a catalyst for our Healthy Campus initiative. During the second half of 2025, we certified over 100 faculty, staff, and students across diverse disciplines—including Pharmacy, Social Work, Engineering, and Academic Advising. Our strategic partnership with Broome County Mental Health and OASAS has further expanded our reach, allowing us to leverage regional expertise to enhance our campus-wide harm reduction and prevention initiatives.” — Johann Fiore-Conte, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Chief Health and Wellness Officer, Binghamton University

“The MHFA trainings have played an integral role in reducing stigma and improving confidence when responding to mental health concerns across campus. Our Resident Assistants are more adept and comfortable responding to student needs and more familiar with available resources. MHFA has provided a framework for our campus to take a proactive approach to caring for the wellness of others.” — Nicholas Kicior, Director of Counseling Services, St. Bonaventure University

"Mental Health First Aid has been a valuable addition to Stony Brook's health and wellness efforts, strengthening our capacity for early identification of student distress and timely connection to care. Participation has been strong across residence life, athletics, advising, and peer groups, and we are already seeing meaningful impact — staff are recognizing students in distress and successfully connecting them to counseling and other supports. The harm reduction component is intended to further enhance this work by expanding education, awareness, and prevention as part of our overall approach to student well-being."— Dr. Marisa Bisiani, DNP, Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness and Prevention Services at Stony Brook University

The MHFA in Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project continues to build a statewide network of colleges equipped to support the mental health and well-being of their students. Insights from each cohort inform the next phase of expansion, with an ongoing emphasis on deepening the connections between colleges, county Directors of Community Services, and the community-based resources available to students beyond the classroom.