Governor Hochul Announces $13.5 Million in Suicide Prevention Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that the state Office of Mental Health has received two federal grants totaling $13.5 million to expand access to mental and behavioral health services in primary care practices for youth and to implement the ‘Zero Suicide’ model at 13 certified community behavioral health clinics across the state. The awards were announced following the New York State Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany, with the theme, ‘Changing The Conversation on Youth Mental Health: From Crisis to Prevention.’ Read more here.

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $4.7 Million for New Addiction Treatment Programs

Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced more than $4.7 million to support the development of new comprehensive integrated outpatient treatment programs for addiction. This is the second round of funding for these programs to be awarded through the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund. To date, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports has awarded $10.6 million in settlement funding to support the development of 20 of these programs, plus $3.4 million in federal funding for 14 additional programs, for a total of approximately $14 million. Read more here.

Governor Hochul Announces $20 Million Public-Private Investment to Advance Artificial Intelligence Goals

Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced a $20 million investment and collaboration between University at Albany and IBM to advance artificial intelligence goals, and a SUNY AI Research Group. Under the Governor’s direction, New York State is leading in AI research and development. Significant investment has helped attract companies to New York's state-of-the-art research centers and create jobs. “New Yorkers have a constant ambition to place ourselves at the vanguard of what’s driving change and offer opportunities no one else can,” Governor Hochul said. Read more here.

Related: How Clinical Ambient Intelligence Can Address Clinician Burnout

NYC Releases AI Action Plan, Business-Focused AI Chatbot

How To “AI-Proof” Your Organization

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Support New Yorkers Overcoming Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss

Governor Kathy Hochul signed Ava’s Law to support New Yorkers who are recovering from a miscarriage or stillbirth. Legislation (S.6082A/A.5734A) directs the New York State Department of Health to provide the public with information about resources available for individuals who have suffered a pregnancy loss or infant loss. This legislation will ensure child-bearing New Yorkers have access to the support they need to help their mental and physical recovery. Read more here.

Attorney General James Leads Coalition of 18 Attorneys General in Calling for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage Parity

New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing a comment letter urging stronger federal regulations to ensure behavioral health services are covered equally to other types of health care. The Biden Administration has proposed amendments to regulations implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) that would improve compliance with the law and access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. The comment letter filed by Attorney General James and the coalition supports these efforts and offers recommendations to ensure better health care coverage to millions of Americans impacted by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Read more here.

Addressing Health Care Workforce Challenges: Spotlight on New York

The health care workforce shortage continues to be a top concern for state policymakers. While increasing wages and creating safe working environments in health settings remain key to building the health care workforce, many other policy levers — such as building a workforce that matches states’ demographics, addressing pipeline challenges and developing clear pathways for individuals to access health professional education — can strengthen the development and retention of a qualified, adequate health workforce. Multiple state agencies can coordinate and play a role in this approach. This blog post explores steps taken by New York to address the state’s health care workforce needs, offering insights for state health policy leaders engaged in health care workforce planning. Read more here.

New York State Department of Health Launches "New York Public Health Now" Podcast

The New York State Department of Health this week launched Episode 1 of the new podcast, New York Public Health Now. With each episode, Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, along with co-host Johanne Morne, Deputy Commissioner for Health Equity and Human Rights and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner, will speak with guests as they explore the critical issues, innovations, and initiatives that shape the health and well-being of New Yorkers. Read more here.

Leading State Priorities and Considerations for Youth Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Facilities

Youth are experiencing unprecedented behavioral health needs, which have steadily increased over the past decade. At the same time, behavioral health systems continue to experience strain due to provider shortages, limited residential treatment options, and few early intervention options. Consequently, youth in crisis are increasingly seeking treatment in emergency departments or other high-acuity settings. To support the behavioral health needs of youth, states are establishing youth-specific crisis receiving and stabilization facilities to provide immediate assessment, stabilization, and connection to appropriate services. Read more here.

Related: New York Case Study: Supporting Youth Behavioral Health through Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Facilities 

Prisons: The Unexpected Answer to the Opioid Epidemic?

With opioid overdose deaths surging in the United States, many communities are urgently seeking effective solutions. A recent Rutgers-led study has identified strengthening prison reentry programs for the highest-risk users as one of the most promising interventions. “For people who use drugs and have been in prison for several years, the reentry period can be chaotic and disorienting,” said Grant Victor, an assistant professor in the Rutgers School of Social Work and lead author of the study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. “Closing the health care services gap after release, especially for those with psychiatric and behavioral health issues, may improve people’s willingness to engage with opioid use treatment,” Victor said. Read more here.

Behavioral Health Concerns Common for Low-Income Kids

A substantial proportion of young kids from low-income families had elevated levels of emotional and behavioral health problems seen in pediatric primary care, researchers found. In a retrospective cohort study of 15,218 children ages 2 to 6 years, fully one-third of children had screening tool scores reflecting clinically elevated levels of emotional and behavioral problems over time, Robert Ammerman, PhD, of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and colleagues reported in JAMA Pediatrics. Read more here.

NYS Justice Center Spotlights 10 Winners During Annual Code of Conduct & Champion Awards

The Justice Center recently announced its 2023 Code of Conduct and Champion Award winners. These awards honor individuals and groups who work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals with special needs in New York State. This year’s program comes on the heels of the Justice Center’s 10-year anniversary – a major milestone in the agency’s mission to protect vulnerable populations from abuse and neglect. Those honored during the 2023 Code of Conduct and Champion Awards truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. Read more here.

Pregnant and Addicted: Homeless Women See Hope in Street Medicine

REDDING, Calif. — Five days after giving birth, Melissa Crespo was already back on the streets, recovering in a damp, litter-strewn water tunnel, when she got the call from the hospital. Her baby, Kyle, who had been born three months prematurely, was in respiratory failure in the neonatal intensive care unit and fighting for his life. The odds had been against Kyle long before he was born last summer. Crespo, who was abused as a child, was addicted to fentanyl and meth — a daily habit she found impossible to kick while living homeless. Crespo got a ride to the hospital and cradled her baby in her arms as he died. Read more here.

Related: Health care ‘game-changer’? Feds boost care for homeless Americans

Hennepin County [Minnesota] Wants to End Chronic Homelessness by 2025. Here’s How It Will Happen.

BROOME: Families gain a voice in new Broome County Jail task force

CHEMUNG: Chemung County Legislature passes agreement that aims to help county nurses

CHENANGO/NIAGARA: Governor Hochul Announces More Than $8.8 Million Awarded to Create 35 Units of Supportive Housing in Niagara and Chenango Counties

ERIE: UB researcher serves on national workshop on police suicide prevention

ERIE: Parents, students and Oishei Children's Hospital unite against bullying

ERIE: 3 New York state organizations secure grant to invest in disability employment

JEFFERSON: Watertown's hospital is building an expansion to handle the mental health crisis

MONROE: Bryant & Stratton/Arc of Monroe partner on DSP program

MONROE: Celebrating 50 years of making meaningful connections and the woman who led the effort

MONROE: Sen. Samra Brouk calls on teen mental health advocates for collaboration

NASSAU: Nonprofit expands with $3.9M Hauppauge office acquisition

NORTH COUNTRY: North Country county jails discuss impact of Opioid Treatment Law

NYC: Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx opens state-of-the-art mental health clinic

NYC: D.A. Bragg Awards $3 Million to the Fortune Society in Ongoing Mental Health Investments

NYC: $12.5 million grant awarded to NYU Langone Health for developing digital tool to reduce maternal mortality

NYC: New York City to boost clubhouse services as better mental health treatment

ONEIDA: County programs tackle veteran suicide prevention

ONEIDA: Governor Hochul Celebrates the Completion of Wynn Hospital in Downtown Utica, Built With $300 Million in State Funding

ONTARIO: Ontario County forms liaison team

PUTNAM: Putnam Officials Schedule Forum On Stabilization Center In Southeast

PUTNAM: Sheriff, County Exec Unveil PCTAM.net, a New Threat Reporting Tool

SARATOGA: New Family Court program for addiction opens in Saratoga County

SCHENECTADY: Family struggles to cope after father's fatal overdose left a void

STEUBEN: Steuben Co. STOP-DWI to get additional funds

TIOGA: Tioga County launches HELP Program to help hire employees

The latest college campus freebies? Naloxone and fentanyl test strips

What Are the Top Common Social Determinants of Health?

Special Registration For Telemedicine Prescribing of Buprenorphine Is Likely To Do More Harm Than Good

A new 'fentanyl fighter' hits a market crowded with overdose reversal drugs

Bike riding in middle school may boost mental health, study finds

Amid a mental health crisis, toy industry takes on a new role: building resilience

Engaging Community Members: A Guide to Equitable Compensation

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

Rate Increases for NYS OASAS Certified Treatment Providers

October 19, 12 - 1 pm, CTAC/MCTAC

Equity Centered Strategies to Improve Pediatric Primary Care: How to Initiate Practice Transformation

October 19, 12:30 - 1:45 pm, PEDS Network

Supporting Patients with Dementia

October 19, 2 - 3 pm, HANYS

A Family-Centered Approach to Implementing Plans of Safe Care for Infants and Families Affected by Prenatal Substance Exposure

October 19, 2 - 3 pm, NCSAC

Peers and Clinicians Together (PACT)

October 19, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, NTTAC

Ask the Expert: The Criminal Legal System: Transformation to Health and Justice

October 19, 4 - 5:30 pm, NAMI

Health Equity in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention - in Rural Communities

October 23, 10 am - 12 pm, NCROTAC

Key Takeaways: Survey Of 4,000 Health Plans On Behavioral Health’s Future

October 24, 12 - 1 pm, PsychU

Informational Webinar for SIM and TTT Opportunities

October 25, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center

At the Intersection of HIV and HCV (Part 2): Treatment Frameworks and Strategies

October 25, 2 - 3:30 pm, Corporation for Supportive Housing

Rewiring Your Life

October 25, 3 - 4 pm, NAADAC

Overview of Harm Reduction - for Rural Communities

October 26, 9 - 11 am, NCROTAC

Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT): Adaptations for Youth and Caregivers Impacted by Mental Health Challenges

October 26, 10 am - 12 pm, CTAC/MCTAC

Emerging Care Models: The Transformative Potential of Sobering Centers

October 26, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

How to Use Data for Change: Improving Outcomes for Families Affected by Substance Use

October 26, 2 - 3 pm, NCSACW 

Free Learning Collaborative: How SAMHSA Block Grants Can Support Older Adult Behavioral Health

October 26, 2 - 3 pm, SAMHSA

Peer Recovery Support Series, Part 9: Supporting Recovery - Who’s Who at the Zoo?

October 26, 3 - 4 pm, NAADAC

Utilizing Family Engagement to Improve Outcomes in Drug Treatment Courts: In Research and Practice

October 30, 12:30 - 2 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center

Person-Centered Care: Applications in Methadone Maintenance Treatment and Outpatient Program Settings

October 30, 1 - 3 pm, NCROTAC

Cost and Financing Strategies for Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis

October 30, 2 - 3 pm, SAMHSA

Systematic Pathway to Integrated Care: General Health Integration Framework Learning Collaborative Evaluation Findings

October 31, 12 - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Using the PSYCKES Clinical Summary

November 1, 10 - 11:30 am, OMH

Behavioral Health Parity and State Legislative Efforts

November 1, 12 - 1 pm, National Conference of State Legislators

Advancing EDI for a More Perfect Union

Nov. 1, 8, and 15 from 12 - 4 pm, Social Current

Moving from Data Collection to Action: Improving Patient Access to SDOH Resources

November 2, 3 - 4:30 pm, SDOH Academy

Optimizing Treatment for Youth Anxiety and Related Disorders Over Telehealth

November 8, 12 - 1:30 pm, CTAC/MCTAC

Tipping the Scales: Supporting the Intergenerational Needs of Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorders

November 8, 1:30 - 3 pm, TTAC

Lived Expertise and Data Management: Trauma-Informed Approaches and Perspectives

November 9, 2 - 3 pm, CSH

Exploring Value-based Payment for Substance Use Disorder Services

November 13, 2 - 3 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Tele-Transformation in North Carolina: Telehealth Policy Lessons Learned During COVID-19 and Beyond

November 13, 3 - 4 pm, Manatt Health

PSYCKES Mobile App for iPhones & iPads

November 14, 11 am - 12 pm, OMH

Transforming Behavioral Health: Embracing Generative AI Technology to Drive Better Outcomes

November 14, 11 am - 12 pm, OPEN MINDS

Peers and Clinicians Together (PACT)

November 16, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, NTTAC

Navigating PSYCKES Recipient Search for Population Health

November 30, 3 - 4 pm, OMH

GRANTS/FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

HRSA Health Workforce

NYS Grants Gateway

NY Health Foundation

OASAS Procurements

OMH Procurements

OPWDD Procurements

Rural Health Information Hub - New York

SAMHSA Grants Dashboard

CLMHD CALENDAR

OCTOBER

Mental Hygiene Planning Committee Meeting

October 19: 1 - 2:30 pm

Deputy DCS Call

October 24: 10 - 11 am

Fall 2023 Full Membership Meeting

October 25 - 27, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

NOVEMBER

CLMHD Executive Committee Meeting

November 1: 8 - 9 am

Quarterly LGU Billing Staff Call

November 8: 11 am - 12 pm

LGU Clinic Operators Call

November 14: 10 - 11:30 am

Addiction Services & Supports (ASR) Committee Meeting

November 9: 11 am - 12 pm

Mental Health Committee Meeting

November 9: 3 - 4 pm

Membership Call

November 15: 9 - 10:30 am

IOCC Meeting - Albany, in-person

November 15: 2 - 4:30 pm

Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting

November 16, 1 - 3 pm

Children & Families Committee Meeting

November 21: 11:30 am - 1 pm

CLMHD Office Closed - Thanksgiving

November 23 - 24

Deputy DCS Call

November 28: 10 - 11 am

Links to State Guidance and Updates on COVID-19

NYS Coronavirus Vaccination Information