New SUNY Grant Strengthens Mental Health Literacy and Crisis Intervention Capacity
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. 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 grants of up to $8000 to 27 SUNY campuses, including the College of Optometry.
The Mental Health First Aid Grant Program fosters community wellness and student success by supporting counseling services offered through Student Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning. The grant enables the College to train three individuals who will schedule regular trainings for faculty, staff, and students to ensure that community members are competent in recognizing signs of distress and know how to respond appropriately. The initiative supports 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. The trainings will be implemented both for the New York City campus and the Syracuse extension campus when it opens.
The Mental Health First Aid Grant Program was first announced as part of Chancellor King's 2025 State of the University Policy Agenda 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.
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