Sullivan 180 Launches New Youth Mental Health Initiative

Two Sullivan County school districts will implement a new mental health initiative aimed at preventing youth suicide, and all three districts in the county will participate in a program to evaluate their mental health services. Sullivan 180, a local non-profit organization, is partnering with the Fallsburg and Eldred school districts to launch a three-year pilot program called Hope Squad in their middle and high schools. The Hope Squad program is an evidence-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that trains students to identify peers who may be struggling with mental health issues and provide support and encouragement.  Students nominated by their peers undergo training from a qualified advisor to learn about mental health and how to offer help to their peers.  Staff Hope Squad advisors and student Hope Squad members will work to create active Hope Squads in their schools.In addition to the Hope Squad program, all three Sullivan County school districts – Fallsburg, Eldred, and Sullivan West – will participate in the School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System (SHAPE).  This free web-based platform allows districts to evaluate their existing mental health programs and resources and identify areas for improvement. This initiative is supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health.  Mike Conklin, Eldred Junior/ Senior High Principal and Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, Sullivan 180 Director of Health and Wellness, spoke about the youth mental health initiatives on Radio Chatskill.