The Westchester County Faith-Based Mental Health Committee formed in March 2020. This group meets quarterly and includes multi-denominational faith leaders, mental health providers, and community members. Its mission is to equip clergy, faith leaders, and mental health clinicians with resources to foster hope and healing in Westchester County's faith communities.
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Since its inception, the Committee has highlighted the intersection of faith and mental health, partnering with the NYS Office of Faith and Non-profit Development Services to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide. They have trained faith leaders in suicide prevention and co-authored the Soul Shop for the Black Church curriculum, which was presented at NATCON 2022. This curriculum launched in Westchester in 2023 and was placed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's National Best Practices Registry in 2025. Soul Shop for Hispanic Churches launched in 2026.

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Another training approved by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center as a Best Practice is L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities  . This training is held virtually once per month. Click on the link for details. 

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The Committee also created the Faith Affirming Mental Health Directory. This directory was created in collaboration with initiative members, Rev. Daphne Swinton and Dr. Kim Murry Cruse at Steadfast Women In Ministry, Inc. The directory can now be found on their site: Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc S.W.I.M. | faith and mental health.
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​Co-Chairs

Reverend Dr. Erwin Trollinger, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church White Plains 

Pat White, MPA, Convener, WC Faith Based Mental Health Group

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