Central New York Schools Implement Innovative Suicide Prevention Training to Address Mental Health Crisis

Tackling Mental Health in Central New York Schools

On March 31, 2025, nearly 300 school staff members from 32 districts in Central New York congregated at the OnCenter in Syracuse for a landmark training event focused on suicide prevention. This step is crucial in addressing the escalating mental health crisis affecting students across the region.

Organized by Oswego Health in conjunction with local organizations, the event brought together educators, administrators, counselors, and support personnel. Dr. Daniel Reidenberg, the Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention, led the training, imparting effective strategies for recognizing and mitigating suicide risks. Dr. Reidenberg's extensive experience includes training over 350,000 individuals globally on suicide prevention, underscoring the significance of this event in the community.

Financial support from Onondaga County and a generous $1 million donation from the Lobdell Family Foundation aimed to ensure continuous access to vital mental health resources, particularly for youth. This funding is pivotal in transforming the landscape of mental health care in Central New York and significantly improving support for affected individuals.

Jamie Leszczynski, Senior Vice President of Communications at Oswego Health, articulated her heartfelt connection to the cause. Having lost her brother, Ryan, to suicide at the age of 16, she emphasized the organization's mantra: "We Care." This commitment to compassion extends to seeking answers and supporting each individual within the community. Her advocacy not only highlights personal loss but connects it to a broader narrative of diminishing stigma surrounding mental health discussions.

The training was designed to foster an environment where attendees could learn to identify warning signs of distress, intervene appropriately, and create a supportive atmosphere within schools. Real-life scenario discussions examined critical challenges such as the impact of social media, school violence, and overarching mental health issues. Participants were introduced to the Ask, Listen, Respond, Follow-up protocol—an essential framework for handling suicide risks effectively.

This event signifies a substantial move toward addressing the mental health crisis that schools face today. Through collaboration among Oswego Health, Onondaga County, and the Lobdell Family Foundation, Central New York is poised to build a future where students can access indispensable support and resources, equipping them to thrive emotionally and mentally.

About Oswego Health

Oswego Health has been serving the community since 1881, providing accessible and quality healthcare across Oswego County. With facilities including Oswego Hospital, a psychiatric acute-care center, skilled nursing facilities, and various outpatient services, its mission centers on enhancing the well-being of the community through compassionate care. For further details, visit www.oswegohealth.org.

For inquiries, contact:
Jamie Leszczynski
Phone: (315) 349-5601
Email: [email protected]