Mental Health First Aid Grants Will Support Student Mental Health and Well-Being

The State University of New York at Stony Brook was one of 27 campuses to receive awards through SUNY's Mental Health First Aid Grant Program, providing targeted funding to strengthen campus-wide approaches to student mental health and well-being across the SUNY System.

The program will award up to $8,000 grants to 16 state-operated campuses and 11 community colleges. On an annual basis, when fully implemented, the funding is estimated to support the delivery of Mental Health First Aid training for almost 3,000 faculty, staff, and other non-clinical campus personnel, expanding campus capacity to recognize and respond to students in distress.

"Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every aspect of our students' growth and to ensure they have the support needed to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal development," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., who announced the awards on January 8. "The grants provided through this innovative program will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns and to support students in need."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY students and their loved ones deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are supports and staff available to assist in case of mental health challenges or distress. This grant program will help ensure more faculty and SUNY personnel throughout the state will receive important training to take action and help those experiencing mental health distress."

"This investment reflects our commitment to prevention, early intervention and shared responsibility for student, faculty and staff well-being," said Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Prevention Services Marisa Bisiani. "Expanding Mental Health First Aid training not only strengthens our campus ability to identify distress early and connect to resources, but also reinforces that mental health is a core component of student success. This funding allows us to expand trainings across our campus community, and we are extremely appreciative of the support."

The Mental Health First Aid Grant Program was first announced as part of Chancellor King's 2025 State of the University Policy Agenda and reflects the SUNY Board of Trustees' ongoing commitment to proactive, systemwide strategies that support student mental health. By extending training beyond campus counseling centers, this initiative equips faculty and staff with practical tools to provide timely, informed support and connect students with appropriate professional resources.

The grant funding announced by SUNY will support the creation and expansion of campus Mental Health First Aid programming, including instructor certification, campus-wide training delivery, required materials, and outreach efforts to strengthen mental health literacy. Campuses with existing Mental Health First Aid programs are encouraged to use the funding to expand training for additional students, faculty, and staff and, where appropriate, provide training opportunities to neighboring SUNY campuses.