Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training Program

This contract involves the provision of training and the implementation of project operations for a Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training Program aimed at enhancing coordinated support efforts for survivors and communities affected by mass violence incidents across all counties in New York State. The program is designed to improve mental health response capabilities and streamline support mechanisms in disaster scenarios. The contract is awarded as a sole-source exemption to The Research Foundation for SUNY on behalf of the University at Albany, emphasizing its unique qualification or necessity for this specific work. The agreement spans three years, ending on November 7, 2025, with a contract value estimated between $500,000 and $2,000,000. The initiative is managed by the NYS Office of Victim Services, with Blake Kush serving as the primary contact for inquiries. The program's implementation will occur throughout New York State, ensuring statewide reach and impact. The solicitation for this contract was posted on October 24, 2025, and interested parties were invited to respond by November 7, 2025. This effort underscores the state's commitment to strengthening mental health disaster response and ensuring communities are better prepared for mass violence incidents through targeted training and operational support.