Program working to prevent mental health crises

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Mental health advocates have spent the week marking two years since the launch of 988, the three-digit suicide and crisis lifeline. A local program is hoping to address mental health challenges before a crisis.

Capital Connect focuses on suicide prevention for adolescents and working-aged men in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. Data shows the Capital Region has a higher rate of suicide than other parts of the state.

The program works to teach people coping skills and connect them with social supports, so they have somewhere to turn to if they are struggling.

"One of the major goals of the Capital Connect grant program is to increase social connectedness among those who are at risk of suicide and to give them access to interventions that have been shown to work. So that is the main thrust of the initiative," Jay Carruthers Director of Suicide Prevention Center of New York, said.

The program received a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control in 2022.

If you are in crisis and need support, you can call 988 or text 741741 any time of day or night. It is free and confidential.