NY invests $10 million in Youth and Teen Mental Health program

January 23, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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STATEWIDE — NEW YORK STATE WILL OFFER a statewide Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid program, for which $10 million in state funding is being made available, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, Jan. 23. The State Office of Mental Health will administer the funding to develop a training and certification program that helps New Yorkers identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in young people who may be experiencing a crisis. OMH is providing $10 million over five years for a not-for-profit organization to create or expand Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid training and certification programs. 

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training is designed for parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and others. The program trains them on how to help young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who are experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or who are in crisis. The second component, The Teen Mental Health First Aid training, is designed for youths ages 15 to 18 so they may identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. 

Hochul secured this funding in the FY25 Enacted Budget and laid out plans to further expand the initiative in her 2025 State of the State address.

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