In Recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Chancellor King Highlights SUNY Campus Mental Health Initiatives

September 29, 2026

Initiatives Strengthen Mental Health Literacy and Awareness Across SUNY Campuses

Albany, NY – In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted SUNY initiatives to increase mental health awareness and connect campus communities with mental health resources. Across New York State, SUNY is advancing programs and initiatives to enhance student well-being, increase a sense of belonging and community, and provide access to vital mental health services.

"Mental health is health, and across SUNY's campuses, we recognize that addressing and protecting mental health is an essential component of achieving academic excellence and student success," said SUNY Chancellor King. "During Suicide Prevention Month, I want to ensure that we raise awareness, so SUNY students are fully aware of the resources and support available to them throughout their academic journeys."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Throughout Suicide Prevention Month and every month, SUNY has a steadfast commitment to providing a high-quality education and ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive on campus. Across the SUNY System, we are reaffirming that commitment by advancing mental health initiatives and improving access to crucial resources."

SUNY's mental health initiatives are supported by State investment from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature. The SUNY Board of Trustees allocates nearly $10 million in ongoing operational funds to support mental health services across State-operated campuses, and $3 million for mental health services at community colleges. Additionally, all SUNY campuses include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on the back of all student ID cards to ensure students have immediate, 24/7 access to emergency support.

Key campus initiatives include:

  • The State University of New York at Albany is supporting students through resources that enhance campus-wide systems for suicide prevention awareness and response, including offering Mental Health First Aid and other trainings to faculty, staff, and students — part of Thrive UAlbany, the University’s framework focusing on key areas of student well-being and success.
  • The State University of New York at Binghamton observed World Suicide Prevention Day through its seventh Annual "Chalk the Walk" event, inviting campus community members to share messages of hope, reduce stigma, and foster connection.
  • The State University of New York at Buffalo is hosting "Suicide Prevention Week," featuring "You Matter" outreach tabling, a relaxation room, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, "Letters to Your Future Self," and participation in the "Out of the Darkness Buffalo Community Walk."
  • The State University of New York at Stony Brook is leading a month-long series of workshops, trainings, educational programs, and awareness events focused on hope, connection, and support. The initiative will culminate with the university's annual "Walk of Hope."
  • SUNY Adirondack is encouraging students to prioritize their well-being through a campus-wide "Self-Care Challenge" that promotes resilience, help-seeking, and awareness of support resources throughout September.
  • Alfred State College is highlighting suicide prevention through a themed trivia night, daily social media outreach, and awareness campaigns that promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The college is also partnering with a local organization for an upcoming community awareness walk.
  • SUNY Brockport is building awareness of available support services through 988 outreach and resource-sharing initiatives following a campus-wide 988 Awareness Day event.
  • Broome Community College is participating in the "Chalk the Walk, Have the Talk" campaign in partnership with the Broome County Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition, encouraging messages of hope and awareness of 988 resources.
  • SUNY Buffalo State University is participating in the "Out of the Darkness Buffalo Walk" while expanding awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the university's 24/7 Bengal Support Line through targeted residence hall outreach.
  • SUNY Canton is hosting educational outreach events and interactive wellness activities that connect students with counseling services, crisis resources, and suicide prevention information.
  • Cayuga Community College is partnering with its National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on campus student organization to provide suicide prevention outreach and resources during a campus block party hosted by Student Activities, as well as displaying signs featuring messages of hope and encouragement along its campus nature trails.
  • Clinton Community College is promoting student well-being through suicide prevention awareness programming, gratitude-focused events, and access to free mental health services through TimelyCare. The college is also connecting students with support resources and its Mental Health Coordinator through proactive outreach.
  • SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is expanding suicide prevention awareness through 988 outreach, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, peer-led education efforts, Mental Health First Aid opportunities, and wellness programming.
  • Columbia-Greene Community College is launching its "You Belong Here" wellness initiative, featuring activities that foster hope, connection, and well-being through the campus Wellness Lounge. Students will also share messages of encouragement through a community wellness board and participate in an "Out of the Darkness Walk" this fall.
  • SUNY Corning Community College observed World Suicide Prevention Day with a candlelight vigil on September 9, 2026, as well as a resource table event and "chalk walk" on September 10, 2026. The events brought students and employees together to honor lost loved ones, offer hope to those who may be struggling, and foster a community of support. The tables offered free self-care resources and mental health information, while helping connect students and employees with support available both on and off campus. Tabling included the SUNY CCC Health Office, Smile Through the Storms, the Steuben County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Student Assistance Program (SAP) through Clinical Associates of Pathways Inc.
  • SUNY Cortland marked World Suicide Prevention Day with a campus-wide awareness event featuring information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and a student-created "Hope Wall."
  • SUNY Delhi is utilizing peer-led programming and campus-wide communications to highlight 988, World Suicide Prevention Day, and available support resources.
  • SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is supporting suicide prevention through confidential student counseling, psychiatric services, crisis-resource education, and employee wellness outreach. University Hospital at Downstate also provides emergency psychiatric assessments, while its Adult Mental Health Outpatient Service offers crisis intervention and treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.
  • Dutchess Community College is partnering with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to support campus awareness efforts and participation in the "Out of the Darkness Walk". The college is also celebrating its recent designation as a JED Campus Alumni institution.
  • Farmingdale State College held a Wellness Fair on September 10, 2026. The Wellness Fair included information and highlighted Campus Mental Health Services’ ongoing screening for suicide through their partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
  • Fashion Institute of Technology is highlighting suicide prevention resources and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through campus outreach and wellness communications. Students can also participate in A Thousand Cranes of Hope as part of the college's Wellness Wednesdays series.
  • SUNY Fredonia is hosting a "Suicide Awareness Walk and Remembrance Ceremony" and displaying a Field of Memories installation featuring 1,100 flags to honor lives impacted by suicide.
  • Fulton-Montgomery Community College is participating in "46Climbs", a national awareness and fundraising initiative supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through a community hike led by Team Climb4Hope.
  • Genesee Community College is supporting student well-being through weekly Yoga and Nature Rx Meditation sessions, alongside journaling, sound bath, and wellness-through-plant-care workshops.
  • SUNY Geneseo is offering weekly "Yoga for Mental Health" sessions and "Office Hours with Rose," a therapy dog outreach initiative that provides opportunities for stress reduction and connection.
  • Herkimer County Community College is partnering with the chair of the local suicide prevention coalition for a campus presentation while increasing visibility of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through outreach efforts across campus.
  • Hudson Valley Community College is strengthening suicide prevention awareness through Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Mental Health First Aid trainings that help participants recognize and respond to signs of distress.
  • Jamestown Community College is hosting a series of wellness-focused programs across its Jamestown and Olean campuses, culminating in a "Community Connections Fair" featuring mental health, suicide prevention, and community support organizations.
  • Jefferson Community College, in conjunction with the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together through its annual "Out of the Darkness Walk," honoring those impacted by suicide while raising awareness.
  • SUNY Maritime College is hosting the JCK Foundation for a two-part program that combines personal storytelling, skill-building, and facilitated discussions focused on mental health awareness and student connection.
  • Mohawk Valley Community College is hosting "Chalk the Campus: Messages of Hope", inviting students and employees to share messages of encouragement while learning about counseling resources, crisis support, and suicide prevention.
  • Monroe Community College is offering Fresh Air to Free Your Mind, "MCC Check-In Day," weekly Wellness Wednesdays, and mental health outreach opportunities that connect students with counselors, therapy dogs, support resources, and community resource fairs.
  • SUNY Morrisville is hosting its semi-annual "Mental Health & Wellness Day," featuring mental health screenings, counselor consultations, and wellness-focused activities.
  • Nassau Community College is focusing on suicide prevention awareness through campus-wide outreach efforts and faculty workshops that strengthen skills for recognizing student distress and making referrals to support services.
  • SUNY Niagara's Center for Student Engagement & Leadership Innovation hosted a "Suicide Awareness & Prevention Day," connecting students with counseling staff and resources.
  • North Country Community College is expanding awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through trainings for coaches, student leaders, faculty, and staff, while incorporating suicide prevention resources into campus events and outreach activities.
  • SUNY Old Westbury is engaging students through its "Reflect, Support, Connect" campaign, an interactive outreach initiative designed to encourage help-seeking and conversations about support networks.
  • SUNY Oneonta is covering the quad sidewalks in positive messages and chalk artwork; sponsoring a "Notes to a Stranger" table for all to write supportive messages; and hosting a traveling wagon of mental health to give away buttons/pins, stickers, bubbles, along with delivering the notes of support across campus. Recently, the campus also unveiled a student-designed, 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline mural and yellow buddy benches to encourage space for anyone to sit, connect, and encourage conversation.
  • SUNY Onondaga Community College is hosting "Share Your Care," a campus-wide collaboration featuring suicide prevention outreach, 988 education, and community mental health partners.
  • SUNY College of Optometry is sharing campus-wide psychoeducational information about the prevalence of suicide in New York State; on and off-campus mental health resources for the community; and guidance on how to talk about suicide and suicide prevention.
  • SUNY Orange is highlighting suicide prevention through Campus Life Day outreach, a "Paint a Rock" event focused on messages of hope, and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training opportunities.
  • SUNY Oswego is helping students understand how to access mental health resources through "support strolls" by Counseling Services and peer educators, including at the campus Wellbeing Fair that includes suicide prevention facts and resources. Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honor Society is partnering with the Oswego County Suicide Prevention Coalition on a campus campaign increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 
  • SUNY Plattsburgh held ThriveFest, an outdoor event centered on providing students with resources to address all eight dimensions of well-being leading to stronger mental health and academic success, reaffirming their commitment to overall well-being. The Student Health and Counseling Center also sponsored a campaign "A Road Map to Mental Health" identifying the many ways to access mental health services on and off campus.  
  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute is offering 988 outreach, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, therapy dog events, yoga classes, drop-in counseling opportunities, and participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk throughout September.
  • SUNY Potsdam is participating in the fourth annual "Chalk the Walk" initiative organized by the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition, bringing messages of hope to campus through sidewalk art.
  • SUNY Purchase is connecting students with support resources through outreach within first-year learning communities, campus tabling efforts, a mental health screening day, and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training opportunities.
  • SUNY Schenectady is contracting with TimelyCare using mental health funding to provide students with access to on-demand telecounseling and crisis support during non-business hours. The service is intended to provide timely access to mental health support for students experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis when traditional campus counseling services are unavailable.
  • SUNY Suffolk County Community College is engaging students through interactive outreach at its Fall Club Fair and partnering with the Veterans Resource Center to host a "22 Push-Up Challenge" focused on veteran suicide awareness. Each spring semester, SUNY Suffolk also hosts an Out of the Darkness Walk.
  • SUNY Sullivan is honoring Suicide Awareness Month with a "Chalk-the-Walk" event, inviting students and staff to write uplifting messages of hope in chalk across campus sidewalks as a reminder that no one is alone in their journey with mental illness. The campus community is also encouraged to wear mental health awareness apparel in support of the initiative.
  • Tompkins Cortland Community College is hosting community suicide prevention agencies for tabling outreach, conducting Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training for student leaders, and displaying 988 promotional materials throughout campus.
  • SUNY Ulster is hosting small-group conversations focused on suicide prevention, help-seeking, and campus resources while expanding Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) gatekeeper training opportunities.
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University hosted a "Chalk the Walk" event to raise awareness for suicide prevention, as well as enlisted a team to participate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) team for the Syracuse "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk. SUNY Upstate also regularly promotes mental health services for students and maintains the SUNY Telepsychiatry Network for students from throughout the SUNY system.
  • Westchester Community College is highlighting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through campus outreach events and awareness activities that invite students to share messages of hope.

SUNY has a steadfast commitment to proactive, systemwide strategies that support student mental health. As part of the Empire State Service Corps, which was recently expanded to 1,000 spots, students act as peer mental health counselors. In August, Chancellor King highlighted SUNY's commitment to student mental health support services with SUNY Optometry's mental health first aid training program. In January, Chancellor King launched the SUNY Mental Health First Aid Grant Program, which provides targeted funding to strengthen campus-wide approaches to student mental health and well-being. In February, SUNY announced the expansion of SUNY's Mental Health Internship Program to provide paid, hands-on learning opportunities for community college students pursuing careers in mental and behavioral health. In July 2025, Chancellor King announced the fourth class of SUNY/OMH Scholarship Program recipients, 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 annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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