Funding Announced for Mental and Behavioral Health Services in New York State

BUFFALO, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that a $13.5 million suicide prevention grant has been awarded through an initiative by the state Office of Mental Health.

According to the press release, the State Office of Mental Health received two federal grants that will expand access to mental and behavioral health services for primary care practices that work with youth.

Now more than ever, we must recognize that mental health is a basic human right and that we must do more to help New Yorkers, especially our youth, before they reach a crisis point. said Governor Hochul. With this federal funding, we are redoubling our commitment to improving the mental health care system in our state and ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially our youth and those from vulnerable populations, have access to the stigma-free resources on which they can count towards maintaining positive mental well-being. -be.

The goal is to implement a “Zero Suicide” model in 13 certified community behavioral health clinics across the state.

According to the press release, New York State will receive $10 million over five years to expand the collaborative care model. The model takes a holistic, team-based approach to addressing mental health issues with a particular emphasis on advancing health equity.

We must do more to support the mental well-being of our young people, especially among marginalized populations. Governor Hochuls’ historic plan provides both an evidence-based plan to improve our state’s mental health system and provides the funding needed to build these services and supports. We welcome this commitment as we collectively work to reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve our system of care at all levels across the state, said Commissioner of the State Office of Mental Health New York, Dr. Ann Sullivan.

The press release states that the initiative will address mental and behavioral health issues among youth with concurrent serious emotional disturbances and physical health conditions or chronic illnesses, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to populations poorly served.

It is critical that we provide more funding to provide mental health care to people in crisis to prevent suicide, save lives, and provide pathways to recovery. That’s why I’m so proud that we fought for and provided New York with this $13.5 million in federal funding for suicide prevention through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, so that It is used in community mental health clinics in New York. “I commend Governor Hochul for his dedication to supporting those facing mental health challenges across our state, and I am proud to make this major investment that will provide community support to our most vulnerable residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer.

Additionally, more than 400 advocates, school staff and service providers attended the Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany on Tuesday to discuss ongoing efforts to help address New York’s youth mental health crisis .