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Syracuse city schools and SUNY Upstate Medical University are launching a five-year program to enhance mental health support for students, starting in January 2025. The initiative will provide both telehealth appointments and on-site clinics, funded by a $5.5 million federal grant. The program aims to address the growing need for mental health services among students, with over 300 cases of suicidal ideation reported last year in the district.
SUNY Chancellor John King emphasized the importance of schools as a place where students can find support and safety. "For many of our students, school is the one place where someone will check in," King said during a press conference. The program will start with clinics at Grant Middle School and McCarthy at Beard School, offering services from nurse practitioners, autism specialists, and child psychiatrists.
The partnership also aims to create a pipeline for mental health professionals, recruiting a diverse group of providers to reflect the student population. Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of SUNY Upstate, stated that the goal is to ensure all students, regardless of background, receive the same level of care.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by SUNY to expand mental health services across its campuses, supported by a $10 million annual state funding increase. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of these investments in ensuring students have access to high-quality mental health care.