Support Mental Health Promotion in the FY2022 State Budget. DMH
Support Mental Health Promotion in the FY2022 State Budget. DMH 5042-5000 $350,000 According to the CDC, almost 75 percent of people aged 18-24 reported at least one adverse behavioral health symptom due to the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has also exacerbated existing behavioral health problems among youth. Rates of depression and anxiety among students have spiked and are contributing to already alarming rates of suicide among young people. Teachers are struggling support their students, many of whom they have not yet seen in person, while also grappling with the impact of the pandemic on themselves and their families. Parents and caregivers are experiencing increased behavioral health needs as they cope with financial stress, disrupted routines and, in many cases, grief and loss. As students return to in-person learning, they do so amid a behavioral health crisis of unprecedent proportions, making the demand for effective mental health promotion and suicide prevention resources greater than ever. Our work this year The NAN Project (TNP) is using a range of virtual approaches to bring concrete behavioral health information, tools, and resources to students, school personnel, family members, and community partners, free of charge as capacity allows. This year our team has been enhanced to include bilingual capacity and dedicated outreach and engagement support. Meeting Students’ Needs: ○ Peer Mentors are well trained and supported young people with histories of mental health struggles and experience overcoming adversity. They are uniquely qualified to meet students where they are in their mental health journeys. Peer mentors serve as examples of recovery while offering tools, resources, and supports that students can use to address their own needs.
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