March 2nd, 2026
1pm - 2pm

Join NAMI New York State’s Lunch and Learn series, a monthly webinar designed to help advocates deepen their understanding of key mental health policy issues impacting communities across New York.

This month’s session will feature Brad Hansen, Khadijah Abdul Aziz, and Hope Newton from Families Together in New York State, an organization that represents, supports, and amplifies the voices of youth and families in policy and systems change—working to ensure equitable, inclusive pathways that foster belonging, wellness, and empowerment for all.

This Lunch and Learn will spotlight the Solutions Not Suspensions–NY Coalition, which is addressing New York’s overreliance on school suspensions to respond to students’ mental health and social needs. Too often, punitive discipline replaces supportive, in-school care—disproportionately impacting BIPOC students and students with disabilities.

During this session, participants will:

• Examine the impact of suspensions on students, families, and schools
• Learn how the Solutions Not Suspensions Act would change current discipline practices
• Receive updates on where the legislation stands
• Explore ways to get involved in advancing the movement

Together, we can build the collective power needed to promote safer, more supportive school environments, reduce harmful disciplinary practices, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed.

Join NAMI NYS for this conversation on strengthening school-based mental health supports across New York State. A webinar access link will be emailed to all registered participants one week prior to the event.