Groundbreaking Suicide Prevention Training for CNY School Districts Tackles Urgent Mental Health Crisis

(Oswego, NY – April 1, 2025) In a monumental effort to combat the growing mental health crisis among students, nearly 300 school personnel from 32 school districts across Central New York gathered at the OnCenter in Syracuse on March 31, 2025, for a landmark Suicide Prevention Training. This unprecedented event, which brought together educators, administrators, counselors, and support staff from Oswego, Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, and Oneida Counties, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing commitment to tackling suicide and mental health issues within schools.

A true testament to community collaboration, Oswego Health played a pivotal role in bringing this critical event to life. By partnering with local organizations and key stakeholders, they helped facilitate a training session led by one of the world’s foremost experts in suicide prevention, Dr. Daniel Reidenberg. As the Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention and Safe Online Standards Director for the Mental Health Coalition, Dr. Reidenberg equipped attendees with life-saving tools and strategies to recognize and address suicide risk factors among students. His impact is felt globally, with over 350,000 individuals trained worldwide on effective suicide prevention techniques.

The success of this event was also made possible by Onondaga County and the Lobdell Family Foundation’s invaluable support. The Lobdell Family, advocates for mental health awareness, has been instrumental in reshaping how mental health is addressed in the region. Their recent $1 million donation to Oswego Health ensures that the community will continue to receive access to critical mental health resources, focusing on supporting youth and transforming lives. This generous gift is part of the Lobdell family’s dedication to improving mental health care access, promoting education, and supporting at-risk youth in Central New York.

Jamie Leszczynski, SVP of Communications at Oswego Health, emceed the event and shared a deeply personal and passionate message: "At Oswego Health, our mantra is simple – 'We Care.' We care about the little things. We care about finding answers. We care about being there for each other and supporting and partnering with our community. This training equips you all with the necessary resources to save a life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States, and mental health issues affect one in five students. Our schools play an instrumental role in supporting our youth. Together, we can build a stronger support system for students and prevent the tragedy of suicide in our schools. Central New York is our home; these students are our children."

Leszczynski’s personal connection to this cause is undeniable. Having tragically lost her brother, Ryan, to suicide at the age of 16, her advocacy for mental health has been a driving force behind this event. Her unwavering commitment to reducing stigma and increasing mental health awareness was a powerful motivator in bringing this vital training and education to Central New York.

The training provided essential, actionable techniques for identifying the warning signs of suicide, intervening effectively, and creating a supportive school environment that promotes mental wellness. Attendees participated in real-life scenario discussions, focusing on pressing issues facing youth today, including social media, violence, and the growing mental health crisis. The event culminated in applying Ask, Listen, Respond, Follow-up protocol, allowing participants to gain practical experience supporting students in crisis.

This event marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in schools. It highlights the critical role that educators, counselors, and school staff play in safeguarding the well-being of young people. The continued efforts of Oswego Health and its dedicated partners underscore the region’s commitment to building a stronger, more supportive mental health infrastructure for youth, ensuring that the necessary tools, resources, and education are readily available for those who need it most.

A special thank you goes to the Superintendents of the participating school districts. Their unwavering support in encouraging their employees to attend this vital event further demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of their students and staff. This event would not have been possible without their leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of care within their schools. Together, we can continue building a community that prioritizes mental health and ensures every student has the resources they need to thrive.

The March 31st training is a powerful reminder that, by working together, we can reduce stigma, increase mental health awareness, and save lives. It is a call to action for Central New York as we continue to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: supporting the mental health of our children.

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About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be Oswego County’s largest private employer. More than 1,400 employees spread throughout its 18 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.