NYSCLMHD Weekly e-News

February 15, 2024

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $55 Million in Opioid Settlement Funding Awarded to Support Addiction Services Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul last Friday announced more than $55 million awarded and an additional $20 million in procurement opportunities made available through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund to support a range of addiction services across New York State. This funding builds on ongoing efforts to distribute the millions of dollars awarded through a series of agreements with opioid manufacturers and distributors, and address the impact of the opioid and overdose epidemic throughout New York State. Additional funding is also being made available for two separate initiatives to increase access to addiction treatment, and support the addiction workforce. Read more here.

Governor Hochul Expands Access to Mental Health Care to 200,000 SUNY Students

Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced State University of New York campuses are investing nearly $10 million in annual State funding to increase their mental health services and support for students, faculty, and staff. This investment will expand services at 28 campuses, support more than 200,000 students, and build on its Statewide Tele-Psychiatry Network (STPN) and new tele-counseling option for community colleges. Read more here.

CDC and New York State Department of Health Publish Study On Effectiveness of 4 Milligram Versus 8 Milligram Naloxone During Opioid Overdose

The New York State Department of Health, in partnership with the New York State Police, has published a groundbreaking field test study on the effectiveness of 4 milligram/0.1 cubic centimeters versus 8 milligram/0.1 cubic centimeters naloxone administration during an opioid overdose in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). In the field test study titled, "Comparison of Administration of 8 Milligram and 4 Milligram Intranasal Naloxone by Law Enforcement During Response to Suspected Opioid Overdose – New York, March 2022-August 2023," key findings support State Department of Health recommendations that the 4 mg dose is not only equally effective at aiding opioid overdose, but also resulted in fewer common post-naloxone symptoms (withdrawal symptoms) than the 8 mg dose. Read more here.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Announces Launch of Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services today announced the launch of a Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund, designed to assist New York State’s Veterans who are confronting emergency housing needs and lacking the funds to cover these immediate costs, thus placing them at significant risk for homelessness. Eligible Veterans will be able to receive up to $2,000 apiece to cover their emergency housing expenses. Read more here.

A Pandemic Legacy: Majority of Mental Health Appointments Stay Remote

More than half of mental health appointments — 55 percent — are being conducted remotely, mainly via videoconferencing rather than in-person visits, according to a brief research report in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, enables patients to obtain care via technology, most often a cellphone, video chat, computer or tablet. The study’s findings stem from analysis of patient information from Jan. 1, 2019, through Aug. 31, 2023, from the Department of Veterans Affairs; it included data on more than 277 million outpatient visits made by 9 million veterans. Read more here.

New Research: Community-Based Recovery Model for Serious Mental Illness Can Reduce Societal Costs by Billions

National mental health nonprofit Fountain House has released a new report this week showcasing the tremendous economic and societal benefit of clubhouses, community-based programs that build and foster social supports as a tool for mental illness recovery. The first of its kind analysis not only offers a fuller accounting of the fiscal and societal costs of untreated mental illness — looking beyond health care spending to include lost wages and productivity, disability benefits, repeated emergency room visits, and criminal justice impacts — but demonstrates how clubhouses are uniquely positioned to drive down spending across the board. Read more here.

NASMPHD Releases Updated Workforce Resource Guide for 2024

This updated resource includes additional innovative ideas and successful workforce strategies being implemented by states and territories and provides updates on outcomes of initiatives described in the prior iteration of the guide. Collectively, these strategies have the potential to improve the public behavioral health sector’s ability to recruit and retain staff, while simultaneously improving the system of care for individuals served. Click here for the guide.

NYSAC County Conversations Podcast: New Frontiers in County Mental Health Services

This episode features a conversation about the innovative steps Erie County has taken to ensure mental health care reaches communities in need and is incorporated into first aid and disaster response. NYSAC’s Legislative/Policy Coordinator Alex Regan is joined by Arica Rouse from Erie County’s Office of Health Equity, as well as Sarah Bonk from the Erie County Department of Mental Health. They discuss what mental health first aid training entails, how to create accessible conversations around mental health, and how to implement trauma-informed care into county operations. You can find both the Office of Health Equity Newsletters and County Health Equity Report on Erie County’s website.

‘Groundswell’ of States Pursue Medicaid for Incarcerated People Pre-Release After California’s Success

A slew of states are pursuing Medicaid coverage for incarcerated populations ahead of their release from prison as a means to address substance use disorders. In Jan. of 2023, California received federal approval to provide people in correctional facilities with Medicaid services before their release. One year later, a “groundswell” of other states seek to make similar strides in the hopes of reducing the rates of overdose-related death and other health care problems that are exacerbated in the weeks immediately after an incarcerated person’s release. Read more here.

Black Mental Health Matters: A Resource Guide for Black History Month

“Black History Month is typically a time of reflection. A time to acknowledge the challenges and celebrate the triumphs. Yet, our current circumstance is anything but typical. Our reflection should not applaud the resilience and strength of those who have overcome adversity without also acknowledging the psychological impact of their struggles on their lives, families and communities – both then and now. Especially in the workplace.” So writes Tramaine EL-Amin, vice president for Mental Health First Aid at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, in an introduction to a resource guide to social media and internet sites containing useful information “to help you support your peers, friends, and communities and be an effective Mental Health First Aider, honoring individuals’ diversity.” The guide offers a wide array of resources available to Black communities. Some recent research shows why the information in the guide is so important. Read more here.

At USICH Meeting, Council Focuses on Innovative Solutions for Homelessness and Mental Health

Under the new leadership of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) met this month to discuss how the federal government can provide more support for innovative state and local efforts to meet the needs of people experiencing both homelessness and mental health or substance use disorders. Mental health and substance use disorders are often exacerbated by the harsh realities of living without a home, and they make it harder for a person to find and maintain shelter and housing. Many shelters and temporary housing programs have sobriety requirements that exclude people who are struggling with addiction, leaving them nowhere to go but outside. Read more here.

CHAUTAUQUA: Former Code Office May Become Reentry Hub For Released Prisoners

CHAUTAUQUA: Revolutionary Firearm Safety Training Announced for Suicide Prevention

CHAUTAUQUA: JCC Receiving Funds Toward Paid Internships In Addiction Workforce

COLUMBIA/GREENE: A sober way of living proposed for Greene and Columbia Counties

ESSEX: Converting NY state prison to housing would require heavy lift

LONG ISLAND: M&T Foundation awards $675K to six Long Island nonprofits

NYC: Northwell to launch $25M health care career high school in Woodside

NYC: Mayor Adams Announces Lawsuit Against Social Media Companies Fueling Nationwide Youth Mental Health Crisis

NYC: Governor Hochul Announces Opening of New Mobile Medication Unit to Provide Addiction Treatment Services in New York City

NYC: This NYC teen wants therapy. Her mom isn’t so sure.

NYC: Columbian Lawyers Association explores mental health challenges in courts

ONEIDA: Local Community Offers Input on Fate of St. Luke's Campus

ONONDAGA: Onondaga County secures $3.7 million grant to fund youth mental health support

ST. LAWRENCE: Seaway Valley Council to use $240,000 grant toward transportation costs for people seeking substance abuse treatment

SUFFOLK: This New York County Is Disarming Record Numbers of Potentially Dangerous People

SUFFOLK: Student mental health top priority for BBP school district

SUFFOLK: Stony Brook Student Pushes New York Politicians, Educators to Do More to Prevent Youth Suicide

TIOGA: Tioga County seeking feedback on how $440K can be used for opioid treatment

WESTCHESTER/NYC: NewYork-Presbyterian Announces More Than $3 Million in Grants to Improve Community Health

WESTCHESTER: Mount Vernon's youth cannabis treatment court combines discipline with compassion

On Valentines Day, Governor Hochul and Dr. Ruth Westheimer Announce Tips to Help New Yorkers Connect and Address Loneliness

NHSR - Living Alone and Feelings of Depression Among Adults Age 18 and Older

Washington Program Combats Adult Depression With Peer Counselors

Portugal's approach to the opioid epidemic is a flashpoint in U.S. fentanyl debate

New HHS Rule Strengthens Confidentiality Protections for Patients with SUD

Alarming neuroscience research links high school football to significant brain connectivity changes

NAMI Releases Poll Showing Post-Pandemic Workforce Demands More Mental Health Support

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

The Connection Between Heart Disease and Mental Health in the Black Community

February 15, 12 - 1 pm, CEMHTTC

Amplifying Black Voices: Overcoming Institutionalized Racial Discrimination in Integrated Care

February 15, 12 - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Addressing Legal Obstacles to Hiring Formerly Incarcerated Individuals as Community Health Workers

February 15, 1 - 2 pm, Network for Public Health Law

Navigating the Competency to Stand Trial System for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD)

February 15, 1:30 - 3 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center

Targeted Homelessness Prevention: Stemming the Inflow

February 15, 3 - 4 pm, National Alliance to End Homelessness

Zero Suicide: Taking a Systems Approach to Suicide Prevention in Health Care

February 15, 3 - 4 pm, SMI Advisor

African Americans and the Arts: HBCU Edition- Art & Healing

February 16, 2 - 3:30 pm, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Changing Minds & Advancing Lines: Why We Must Keep Pushing for Mental Health Equity

February 20, 2 - 3 pm, NIMH

Judicial Threats to Olmstead and the Americans With Disabilities Act

February 21, 12 - 1 pm, Patrick P. Lee Foundation

Agricultural Community QPR for Farmers and Farm Families

February 22, 12 - 1:30 pm, Agrisafe Network

Exploring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Landscape & Unmet Needs

February 28, 12 - 1 pm, PsychU

What Should the Healthcare Sector’s Role Be in Addressing Adverse Social Drivers of Health?

February 28, 12 - 1 pm, SIREN

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout for Rural Providers

February 28, 1 - 3 pm, NCROTAC

Expanding Harm Reduction through Increased Syringe Access

February 28, 2 - 3:30 pm, SAMHSA

Current Substance Use Trends and Evolving Risks (with a focus on Rural Communities)

February 29, 11 am - 12 pm,

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Part II (for Rural Providers)

February 29, 1 - 3 pm, NCROTAC

Planning for the Future: Ensuring Sustainability for Drug Treatment Courts

February 29, 1:30 - 3 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center

Examining the Use of Braided Funding for Substance Use Disorder Services

February 29, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, SAMHSA

988 and Other Numbers – What the Data Tells Us So Far

March 1, 12 - 1:15 pm, Sozosei Summit Solution Labs

How the Camden Coalition is Applying Research Lessons to Improve Care Delivery

March 5, 2 - 3 pm, Camden Coalition

2024 NYCPG Annual Conference - Registration Open!

March 5 - 7, Albany Marriott, NY Council on Problem Gambling

Polysubstance Use During the Opioid Crisis

March 6, 3 - 4 pm, NAADAC

Creative Solutions for Mobile Crisis Teams to Effectively Engage With Rural and Frontier Communities

March 12, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Specialty Providers in Capital Region

March 13, 9 am - 3 pm, MHANYS

Opportunities to Address SDOH in 1915(c) and 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Programs

March 13, 2 - 3:30 pm, CMCS

Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Behavioral Health Treatment

March 13, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC

Closing the Gap: Addressing Racial Disparity in Licensure Exam Rates

March 14, 1 - 2 pm, Social Current

Mental Health and Suicide on US Farms: Muckville Movie Viewing and Conversation

March 14, 1 - 2 pm, Agrisafe

SAVE THE DATE: What It Takes: Supervising Peer Support Specialists

March 15 & 22, 9 am - 4 pm, PeerTAC

Hardwired for Fear and Connection: The Intersection of Brain Science and Equity

March 19, 1 - 4 pm, Social Current

Let’s Talk Resilience as a Three-Pronged Approach!

March 20, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC

GRANTS/FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

HRSA Health Workforce

Rural Health Information Hub - New York

SAMHSA Grants Dashboard

CLMHD CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

CLMHD Offices Closed - Presidents' Day

February 19

Children & Families Committee Meeting

February 20: 11:30 am - 1 pm

Membership Call

February 21: 9 - 10:30 am

MARCH

Executive Committee Meeting

March 6: 8 - 9 am

LGU Clinic Operators Meeting

March 12: 10 - 11 am

Addiction Services & Supports (ASR) Committee Meeting

March 14: 11 am - 12 pm

Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting

March 14: 1 - 2:30 pm

Mental Health Committee Meeting

March 14: 3 - 4 pm

IOCC Meeting

March 18: 1 - 3 pm, Empire State Plaza, Albany

Children & Families Committee Meeting

March 19: 11:30 am - 1 pm

Membership Call

March 20: 9 - 10:30 am

Mental Hygiene Planning Committee

March 21: 1 - 3 pm

Links to State Guidance and Updates on COVID-19

NYS Coronavirus Vaccination Information

The Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors advances public policies and awareness for people with mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disabilities. We are a statewide membership organization that consists of the Commissioner/ Director of each of the state's 57 county mental hygiene departments and the mental hygiene department of the City of New York.

Affiliated with the NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC)

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