SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan 180 is working with three school districts in Sullivan County to implement new mental health initiatives. 

Sullivan 180 will work with Fallsburg and Eldred to implement a three-year Hope Squad Pilot in the middle and high schools. Additionally, Fallsburg, Eldred and Sullivan West schools will participate in the School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System (SHAPE) assessment—a platform that will help them address their school mental health system. 

Hope Squad is an evidence-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program built around the power of connection, a Sullivan 180 staff person said. Students are nominated by their peers to become Hope Squad members; they learn about mental health from a trained advisor while performing intentional outreach to struggling peers. Advisors and members will work to create active Hope Squads in their schools.

“Peer support makes it more likely for young people to reach out for help when needed,” said Mylene Ortiz, Sullivan 180 youth mental health program manager.

SHAPE is a free web-based platform that allows school districts to assess their mental health programs and resources on both a district and building level. 

The pilot program can be launched thanks to support from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

To learn more about Hope Squad and SHAPE, email Mylene@sullivan180.org.