State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. spotlighted Mental Health Awareness Month by highlighting events organized by students, faculty and staff that promote mental health awareness and provide information about student support services available on SUNY campuses throughout New York State, including Stony Brook University.
The events all help advance SUNY’s goals to reduce mental health stigma and provide essential support for those needing mental health services.
“Mental health services and support programs are essential parts of ensuring student success,” King said. “SUNY has made investment in mental health services a priority, and I applaud the students, educators and staff who have helped organize the events taking place on campuses throughout the SUNY system. All of these events, and many more programs taking place at SUNY, help promote the essential truth that you need to be aware of, and take care of, your mental health.”
Stony Brook events included “PAWS for Finals” pet therapy, a “Beach Party” focused on summer mindfulness, a “Global CommuniTea” teaching kitchen exploring the connection between culture and mental health, and a DIY Self-Care Kit promoting self-care and wellness during finals.
The events taking place across the state are part of SUNY’s ongoing efforts to support students, faculty and staff, and ensure that anyone experiencing mental health concerns has access to resources and networks that provide assistance. The SUNY Board of Trustees currently allocates $10 million in recurring annual funding to expand mental health services at state-operated campuses and $3 million in recurring annual funding for community college mental health services.
Chancellor King also launched a SUNY Mental Health Resource Finder to help support students, faculty and staff, as well as concerned loved ones, more easily access mental health support systems and essential resources. The initiative aligns with SUNY’s goals to reduce mental health stigma and provide essential support for those living with mental health conditions.
“Ensuring SUNY students, educators, and staff all have vital information and access to mental health support resources and services is an essential part of achieving student success,” King said. “As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, this new resource guide will make it easier for students and their loved ones to know what resources are available on campuses throughout New York State. SUNY will continue to do everything in our power to support our students and guarantee their access to resources and personnel able to address mental health struggles or crises.”
The Mental Health Resource Finder is an interactive directory designed to support SUNY students, faculty and staff in locating services both on and off campus. Users can search by service type and location to access SUNY Campus Counseling Centers, county-based services, and statewide and national mental health resources. Users can filter the directory by specialized categories, including addiction treatment and emergency services, or access dedicated support for specific groups such as student parents and student athletes. An integrated feedback feature allows users to provide real-time feedback on any listed resource.
The launch further expands SUNY’s prevention efforts, which include SUNY’s Suicide Prevention Training Module, a free resource that equips campus communities with a simplified risk-screening process to aid early detection and crisis prevention.
Stony Brook University offers a number of mental health resources for students. Visit Student Health, Wellness and Prevention Services for more information.
Add comment