Carol Blackburn

Carol Blackburn is a Phoenix Central School District educator. It is often said that “to teach, is to touch a life forever.” This is a true statement and a testament to Ms. Blackburn, who has impacted the lives of not only her students, but many others through her advocacy and passion for making a difference.

Throughout the years, Ms. Blackburn regularly made it a point to provide her students with the opportunity to visit the State Capitol and their representatives. During visits, she and her students have advocated for improved mental health services and enhancing suicide prevention in schools.

Ms. Blackburn and her students were responsible for encouraging Senator Ritchie to sponsor a law that provides New York State universities, community colleges and City universities with educational materials on depression and suicide prevention. These materials are distributed to educators, and in turn, to students who are potentially battling depression or thoughts of suicide.

As suicide has such a tremendous impact on peers, faculty and staff at colleges and universities, this new law also addresses the need for a “postvention” plan in partnership with a behavioral health provider in the community to support the family members, friends, professionals and peers in the wake of a loved one’s suicide. Through this law and the advocacy of Ms. Blackburn and her students, young people who are struggling connect with the critical assistance they need.

Ms. Blackburn has dedicated her life to inspiring students and encouraging them to take an active role in issues that impact them, as well as their peers. Through her passion for teaching and commitment to her students, she has impacted countless lives and is to be commended for her tremendous efforts.