A new regional partnership is bringing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to more communities across Central New York, aiming to equip residents with tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.
The Madison County Rural Health Council (MCRHC) and Cayuga Community Health Network (CCHN) announced their collaboration to expand MHFA training across Cayuga, Onondaga, Oswego, and Seneca Counties. This move boosts MCRHC’s coverage to 10 counties and strengthens local access to evidence-based mental health education.
“Our shared mission is to empower individuals—whether in schools, workplaces, or community settings—to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges and connect people to appropriate care,” said Jamie Hagenbuch, MHFA Program Manager at MCRHC. “This expanded reach ensures more New Yorkers have access to life-saving mental health resources and education.”
Mental Health First Aid is a training program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. It includes Adult, Youth, and Teen versions to serve a wide range of community members.
The initiative is made possible with support from the Ben Snow Foundation and ongoing collaborations with the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS) and the United Way of Mid Rural New York.
To learn more about MHFA or to schedule a training, visit https://mcruralhealthcouncil.org/.
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