This piece is part of a series of spotlights on our New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) team members at Pan American International High School and Civic Leadership Academy. We asked each team member 1) why this work is important to them and the people they serve, and 2) to describe a memorable moment or client that stands out to them about why they do this work. My work is important to me because every day I have the opportunity to m

By Gerda Gonzalez, LCSW, Senior Program Director In 2024, The Child Center of NY was honored to receive a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health for suicide prevention among historically under-served populations and LGBTQ+ youth. We currently work with five schools, as well as our DYCD-funded Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center. We focus on low-income communities in Corona, Flushing, the Rockaways, and Crown Heights in Queens and Brooklyn. I was excited to h