LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): New York State is honoring Response Crisis Center of Suffolk County, a nonprofit organization in the Long Island Region, with the 2026 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Community/Organization Award. Representatives of the organization were presented with the award Tuesday, May 5, during the event in Albany for their work to provide outreach and operate a call center supporting individuals in crisis –specifically youth, young adults, and their families.
“Response of Suffolk County demonstrates ‘What’s Great in Our State’ through their exceptional work in reaching out to young people in the community and being there to help them in times of crisis,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “From its humble origins, this organization has become a pillar of support for youth and their families when they are experiencing mental health challenges.”
Response provides 24/7 support to youth, young adults, families, and individuals in crisis. The organization also provides backup support across New York State, handling approximately 15,000 calls and texts each month with a 97 percent answer rate.
Established in the early 1970s, Response started operation with a small group of dedicated volunteers after a local student’s suicide attempt revealed a critical gap in services. This organization now has a staff of nearly 300 and serves as the local crisis call center for Suffolk, Rockland, and Putnam Counties.
Response advances suicide prevention by supporting resilience and helping individuals connect with community resources that can support long-term well-being and recovery. Through collaboration with local partners and crisis systems, the organization continues to advance suicide prevention, foster resilience, and support long-term recovery in communities they serve.
Response’s mission is to provide individuals in crisis or in need with unconditional acceptance, compassion, and respect, reducing emotional distress and empowering them to use personal coping strategies. Organization programming helps reduce stigma, strengthen coping and communication skills, and connects individuals to critical support, including mental health care and housing.
“I’m so pleased to receive and accept this honor on behalf of the wonderful crisis counselors and staff of Response Crisis Center,” Response of Suffolk County Executive Director Meryl Cassidy said. “They are the true heroes — making a real difference in the lives of so many young people and youth-involved adults and in our communities 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 365 days a year. We strive to be there for all people in crisis in the moments they need caring human connection the most. Our vision is a world where all people feel connected and cared for and know their lives matter.”
‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Established in 2010, the day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person l workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.
Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognizing Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the What’s Great in Our State event and the importance of fostering positive mental well-being among youth. Under her leadership, the state has undertaken key initiatives to improve youth mental health, including expanding Teen Mental Health First Aid training in schools, establishing the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, funding Youth Safe Spaces, and adopting strong digital and social media protections for young people, including the nation’s first bell-to-bell restrictions on smart phone use during school.
The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness – New York State, New York
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