June 19, 2023
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On June 13, 2023, during an event at Kean University, Governor Phil Murphy and other state officials announced a $5 million investment to expand access to mental health services in Union County for children and teens. A portion of this funding will go towards building a new Pediatric Collaborative Care Training Center to increase the number of experts able to provide mental health care for children and adolescents. The center will provide training for pediatric primary care providers and behavioral health clinicians, as well as child and adolescent psychiatrists. Additionally, the investment will fund research to help connect local pediatric primary care facilities with behavioral health clinicians, psychiatrists, and other mental health experts. Governor Murphy was quoted on abc7ny.com saying, "It is imperative we work to ensure every young person has access to the resources and services they need to thrive, particularly in light of the national youth mental health crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic." Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados was also quoted, saying, "This generous contribution will play a crucial role in expanding access and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in our county . . . By acknowledging the importance of mental health and collaborating with non-profit organizations, medical institutions, the school community and the community at large, we aim to create a world where every child and young person feels valued, supported, and empowered." Click here to read more on this story. |
