SUNY Oswego Students Partner with Local Coalition to Expand 988 Lifeline Awareness Across Campus

Oswego, NY – SUNY Oswego and the Oswego County Suicide Prevention Coalition have partnered to install 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signage across campus, making mental health support more visible and accessible to students, faculty, and staff.

The signage was developed by students involved in Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG), the national health education honorary society. Dr. Jessica Harris, CHES, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Health Promotion and Wellness and advisor of SUNY Oswego’s ESG chapter, worked alongside students and the Coalition to bring the initiative to campus. The project connects student engagement with community impact while helping ensure that critical mental health resources are visible in everyday campus spaces.

“This project reflects the kind of learning we want our students to experience, taking what they learn in the classroom and using it to make a meaningful difference in their community,” said Dr. Jessica Harris, Professor of Health Promotion and Wellness at SUNY Oswego. “By partnering with the Oswego County Suicide Prevention Coalition, our students are helping make the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline more visible across campus while also reducing stigma and encouraging conversations about mental health and help-seeking. I am incredibly proud of our students for using their voices and their work to support the well-being of the SUNY Oswego community.”

“It feels good to know that something we worked on as students can have a real impact on our campus,” said Brayden Palfi, Treasurer of Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG). “By making 988 more visible, we hope students know that support is available and that they are never alone.”

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Oswego County (SPC) is a network of local organizations, schools, businesses, and community members working together to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health. The Coalition strives to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and self-care while connecting Oswego County residents with critical resources and support. The partnership with SUNY Oswego reflects the heart of the Coalition’s mission: integrating suicide prevention and awareness efforts into the community while empowering young leaders to take an active role in supporting others’ well-being.

“This collaboration shows the power of students and community partners coming together to make a real difference,” said Lisa Lattime, Coalition Manager. “By increasing visibility of 988, we are helping ensure that support is always within reach.”

To get involved with the Oswego County Suicide Prevention Coalition, please contact Lisa Lattime at [email protected].

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, experiencing emotional distress, or having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In photo: Dr. Jessica Harris, CHES Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, serves as the Faculty Advisor of the Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) National Public Health Honorary Society on campus.

Lisa Lattime, Prevention Community Coalition Manager, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Oswego County
Karen Burke, Member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Oswego County

Lauren Cropp, HPW Student and President of ESG
Madison Gillespie, Psychology Student and Vice President of ESG
Brayden Palfi, HPW student and Treasurer of ESG (not pictured)
Matthew Cicotta, HPW Student and Secretary of ESG
Gillian Pieropan, HPW Student and Historian and Editor of ESG
Brianna Schiaroli, HPW Student and member of ESG
Harper Phinney, HPW Student and member of ESG
Elainy De Leon, HPW Student and member of ESG
Chylo Eidem, HPW Student and member of ESG
Jenna Majewski, HPW Student and member of ESG
Livia Rincavage, SUNY Oswego Student and member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Oswego County