A new regional partnership is bringing life-saving mental health and suicide prevention training to more communities across Central New York.
The Madison County Rural Health Council and Cayuga Community Health Network are teaming up to offer Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention programs in Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Oswego counties.
These trainings give everyday people the tools to support someone in crisis. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches how to spot the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, offer initial help, and connect someone to care.
QPR—short for Question, Persuade, Refer—focuses on suicide prevention. Participants learn how to ask if someone is struggling, encourage them to get help, and refer them to the right support.
“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 the Madison County Rural Health Council.
With this latest expansion, MCRHC now supports these trainings in 10 counties. The organization works alongside partners like Cayuga Community Health Network, United Way of Mid Rural New York, and the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS), with support from the Ben Snow Foundation.
Together, they’re building a stronger safety net—one that helps schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods become more prepared, compassionate, and connected.
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