Federal money to help expand mental health care in NH

Sep. 30—New Hampshire's congressional delegation has announced that two federal financial awards, totaling $1.9 million, will be provided to organizations in the state to help expand mental health care for young people.

The money will go to the state's health department and its university system.

"For young people, especially young women, mental health has worsened, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges for students across our state," U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said in a written statement Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, also D-N.H., whose congressional district takes in the Monadnock Region, said people need to realize that mental health is an essential aspect of a person's overall well-being.

"I am thrilled to see this funding heading to New Hampshire to train pediatricians in mental health care and expand the mental health workforce, especially in our rural communities," she said.

A total of $850,000 in new federal money will go to the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services to bring behavioral health consultation, training and support to pediatric medical providers to meet children's mental health needs.

Another $1.05 million will go to the University System of New Hampshire to increase the number of behavioral health professionals, particularly those focused on young people.

Rick Green can be reached at [email protected] or 603-355-8567

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