Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts. 

On This Week's Edition of New York NOW:

• New York — and the rest of the country — is experiencing a mental health crisis, with a huge demand in services and a system that can't keep up.
• We speak with Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, commissioner of the state Office of Mental Health, about what the state's doing, the challenges that still exist, and what someone should do if they're struggling with their mental health.
• Suicide prevention is key, but often overlooked in certain demographics. We'll tell you more.
• Dan Egan from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Capital Region Chair) talks through mental health in New York today, and how more lives could be saved.

What should you do if you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health?

• Call or text 988, a free counseling line for people struggling with their mental health (or substance use.)
• Talk to a mental health professional or your primary care provider about what they can do to help.
• Speak with someone you trust about how you're feeling.

A Free Toolkit for Educators

Student Mental Health Matters: A Toolkit for Educators is designed to equip educators, school staff, and school mental health professionals with critical knowledge and strategies needed to support the mental well-being of their students. New videos and support materials will be added through October 2023, so please check back often. 

Help is Out There.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can direct you to more resources to manage your mental health, and tell you what to do if you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or self harm.

They also regularly host community events, like walks to raise funding and awareness.

Click here to visit their website.