CHDI NEWSLETTER

In this month's issue, you'll find updates on efforts to sustain state funding for critical youth mental health services, our latest video on school mental health, recent media coverage, staff updates, and two opportunities to join our team.

P.S. - CHDI is now on BlueSky. Join us!

"Without a doubt, Mobile Crisis is saving the state money," he told legislators, who are considering ways to maintain these services as federal funds are set to expire.

As Jeff and partners explained in a recent Policy Brief, crisis services are essential for families and strong investments for the State, providing alternatives to hospital emergency departments for youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

VIDEO: How CHDI Helps Schools Strengthen Student Mental Health and Well-Being

"[Since] partnering with CHDI... We’ve seen a decrease in special education referrals, discipline referrals... Really positive feedback on just how students are presenting in the classroom, their ability to access their learning.” – Matt Madruga, Vice Principal, West Bristol School 

In this brief video, hear from partner schools, state leaders, and CHDI staff on the unique role we play in helping schools and districts build their capacity to prevent, identify, and address student behavioral health concerns.

"Mental health and homeless services at risk in Connecticut as funds run out."

CT Insider, 2/14/25

CHDI's Jeff Vanderploeg was interviewed on the need to continue funding the state's youth crisis services, including mobile crisis and the new Urgent Crisis Centers, before federal funds expire. Colleagues from the United Way of Connecticut and Wellmore Behavioral Health - with whom Jeff co-authored a recent Policy Brief on this issue - were also interviewed for the piece.

"Wheeler’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Services Program: Rapid Response, Long-Term Growth."

Wheeler Clinic Blog, 2/18/25

Thanks to our partners at Wheeler Clinic for giving CHDI a shout-out in their recent blog post on the impact of their youth mobile crisis program! We're proud to work with Wheeler and other mobile crisis providers across Connecticut to maintain the high quality of this critical service.

"Lawmakers considering increasing funding for urgent crisis centers."

NBC Connecticut, 2/20/25



This NBC CT story highlights funding needs for the state's four youth urgent crisis centers, for which CHDI coordinates quality improvement efforts. It features an interview with our partners at The Village for Families & Children and a look inside their Hartford Urgent Crisis Center.

Including Youth Voice as a Critical Component of Quality Improvement Services

On January 31, CHDI staff (including Ashley Nelson and Meghan Flynn, pictured) attended the 2025 Join Rise Be Young Adult Leadership Summit to connect with young people from across Connecticut and get their input on what they like about DMHAS’s Young Adult Services (YAS) and their suggestions for improvements.

Learn about how CHDI is partnering with DMHAS to provide Quality Improvement services to YAS.

Yecenia Casiano Joins National Commission on Community Crisis Response

Senior Project Coordinator Yecenia Casiano, MS has been selected to join the second Expanding First Response Commission, created to help support the advancement of community responder programs nationwide. Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, the commission will develop guidance for states looking to support the expansion of community response programs.

Yecenia will join crisis response leaders from across the country, including elected officials, first responders, academics, and community leaders, on this commission.

Learn more about the Expanding First Response initiative’s work.

Celebrating Staff Promotions

Congratulations to three CHDI team members who recently earned promotions:

Ashley Nelson - Senior Data Analyst II

Ashley Nelson has been promoted to Senior Data Analyst II. Ashley, who joined CHDI in 2017, manages Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) data collection, analysis, and reporting for a variety of initiatives. In her new role, Ashley will continue many existing responsibilities, co-lead the EBP/OPCC data team, and collaborate with the Director of EBPs and Senior Associates on strategic priorities.

Lori Schon - Operations Manager

Lori Schon has been promoted to Operations Manager. With seventeen years of experience at CHDI, Lori is one of our longest-serving staff members and an invaluable member of our team. She is responsible for managing organizational operations, technology, and human resources, serves as liaison to the Board of Directors, and supports contracts and finance activities. Lori is also an active member of the CHDI Sunshine Committee.

Heather Solak, MA - Senior Associate

Heather Solak has been promoted to Senior Associate. During her eight years with CHDI, she has supported Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) data analysis and reporting for projects including including CBITS/BB, MATCH/TF-CBT, children's outpatient clinics, Care Coordination and substance use disorder (SUD) initiatives. In her new role, Heather will continue managing data on key projects and integrating data to generate actionable insights, oversee EBP reporting, and provide leadership to the EBP/OPCC data team.

Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26

The Fellow will work on one or more initiatives focused on improving children’s behavioral health in Connecticut, with an emphasis on working at the systems, policy, and practice levels. (1-year position)

View full details on our website, and please share with your networks:

The Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing effective and integrated system, practice, and policy solutions that result in optimal behavioral health and well-being for children, youth, and families in Connecticut and beyond.

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