Oakwood Students Lobby Legislators in Albany for Suicide Prevention Programming in Schools

On Tuesday April 17th, Oakwood students traveled to Albany to take part in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Advocacy Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about suicide prevention efforts in NY State and to lobby legislators to support specific bills passing before the State Senate and Assembly.

Students first heard from a speaker who lost her husband to suicide, a powerful presentation that left many in the room extremely moved and inspired to take action. They also heard from AFSP organizers who presented on “Advocacy 101”, highlighting the major talking points about each piece of legislation being brought before the elected officials. 

Oakwood students met with Senator Sue Serino and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, both of whom represent the campus in their legislative districts. They shared their thoughts about four bills in total covering areas such as increasing training for educators, ensuring access to mental health services in colleges and addressing the increasing number of suicides in rural areas by offering loan forgiveness to nurses who are willing to practice in those areas. Assemblywoman Barrett also made the group aware of legislation she has introduced to examine the rise in rural suicides, especially among farm workers.  

Having the opportunity to meet in person with legislators and hear firsthand the issues they are working on affecting teens is a powerful experience for Oakwood students. It reinforces that their voices matter and that they, too, can play a role in affecting change in their communities, whether they are 18 or not yet old enough to vote.