Oneida County Launches Men’s Mental Health Awareness PSA to Support Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Oneida County Department of Mental Health, in collaboration with the Oneida County Suicide Prevention Coalition, premiered a new public service announcement (PSA) focused on Men’s Mental Health Awareness. The event took place at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, marking a significant step towards addressing mental health challenges among men in the community.

Partnership and Funding

Funded by the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR), the PSA was developed through a partnership involving a broad coalition of community organizations. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by aiming to reduce stigma and silence surrounding men’s mental health.

Key Statistics and Message

1. Three out of four suicide deaths in Oneida County are men aged 35 to 65.
2. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and intervention.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., who appears in the video, emphasized the importance of confronting these issues: “Too many men suffer quietly, pressured to appear strong and unaffected. This video is about changing that. It’s about showing that real strength lies in facing our struggles, seeking support and lifting each other up.”

Community Involvement and Voices

The PSA, produced by C&D Advertising, features several local men sharing personal perspectives on the importance of men’s mental health. Participants include:

• Anthony J. Picente Jr., Oneida County Executive
• DuWayne Engram (YWCA/AMEND)
• Britton Tarris (LCSW/LMFT)
• Nigel Dunkley (Hoopers Rehab)
• Critter Maldonado (Next Level Barbershop)
• Sean Miri (Oneida County Department of Mental Health)
• Ernie Lowenkompf (Helio Health)
• Ya Za (Tint Goat, LLC)

These individuals represent vital community voices united to challenge stigma, promote healing, and inspire connection—supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by fostering inclusive mental health support.

Distribution and Accessibility

• The PSA is accessible on YouTube.
• It will be featured on Oneida County’s official website and social media channels.
• Available through the OC C.A.R.E.S. app.
• Scheduled to air on local television stations.

This broad distribution strategy supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by leveraging multiple platforms and community partnerships to maximize outreach and impact.

Call to Action

County Executive Picente described the PSA as more than a video, calling it “a call to action.” He urged the community to continue supporting one another to ensure no individual in Oneida County faces mental health challenges alone. This initiative contributes to SDG 3 by encouraging mental health support and suicide prevention.

Coalition Partners

The Oneida County Suicide Prevention Coalition comprises a diverse group of dedicated partners, including but not limited to:

• Oneida County Department of Mental Health
• Helio Health
• The Neighborhood Center
• NY Center of Problem Gambling
• The Center
• Office for the Aging
• Department of Health
• Utica City School District
• SSG Fox
• ICAN
• CFLR
• Department of Family and Community Services
• Upstate Poison Control
• UCP
• CHBS
• NYS Office of Mental Health
• The Q Center
• Syracuse VA
• Joseph P. Dwyer Program
• SNUG
• Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
• Empowered Pathways
• YWCA
• Connected Community Schools
• RCIL
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The coalition’s collaborative approach exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering partnerships that enhance community health and well-being.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and promoting well-being among men, directly relating to SDG 3.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing stigma and silence surrounding men’s mental health highlights social inequalities and the need for inclusive health support.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration among multiple community organizations and government departments exemplifies partnerships to achieve health-related goals.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for Target 3.4:
   • Suicide mortality rate among men aged 35-65 in Oneida County (implied by the statistic “Three out of four suicide deaths in Oneida County are men between the ages of 35 and 65”).
2. Indicator for Target 3.5:
   • Number of community-based mental health awareness campaigns and participation rates (implied by the PSA and coalition activities).
3. Indicator for Target 10.2:
   • Reduction in stigma and increased social inclusion of men seeking mental health support (implied through the campaign’s goal to confront stigma and silence).
4. Indicator for Target 17.17:
   • Number and diversity of partnerships involved in mental health initiatives (explicitly mentioned coalition members and partners).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: oneidacountyny.gov