Catskill’s Yellow Ribbon Teen Suicide Prevention Team participated in the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS) Advocacy Day at the state capital on March 13. The students participated in a march and rally at the capitol steps and met with Assemblymember Chris Tague about the importance of public policies focused on increasing mental health literacy on college campuses and encouraging whole health parity, establishing mental health related school absences, school suicide prevention, and increasing funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. During their time in Albany, the students were briefed about legislation and heard presentations by:

Mental Health Commissioner Anne Marie Sullivan
State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa
Assembly Mental Hygiene Chair Aileen Gunther
Senate Mental Hygiene Chair Samra Brouk
Assembly Higher Education Chair Patricia Fahy
Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Human Services & Mental Hygiene, Patrick Wildes

Yellow Ribbon has been participating in this and other important mental-health related events for many years. Let’s hear if for our Cats out there making a difference. Cats can and Cats will!