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June 7th, 2022  

These past few weeks, there have been a number of traumatic events, leaving us all to deal with emotions, grief, and pain. We wanted to inform everyone about a few additional supports available to help people deal with grief and emotional trauma resulting from the Buffalo tragedy and other recent traumatic events. Below are a few culturally relevant resources to help people navigate feelings and identify healthy ways to cope:  

• MHEP-RISE Center (Mental Health Empowerment Project) is a direct resource for virtual groups as well as 24 hour peer support (1-800-643-7462).   

 • Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) offers warmline support https://recoveryoptionsny.org/peer-support/. For more information call (716-532-5508). To access their warmline from 4PM -11PM call 844-749-3848. 

 • Mental Health Peer Connection (MHPC offers monthly online support groups and other peer-run supports. 

Please visit http://wnyil.org/Mental-Health-PEER-Connection for more information.    Additional trauma/crisis/grief resources for New Yorkers can be accessed here: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/disaster_resources/emergency-mental-health-resources.html.  

The racially motivated hate crime targeting the Black community in Buffalo has devastated us all. The tragedy in Buffalo comes at a time when New York’s communities of color are already living through the effects of racism, disproportionate levels of violence, poverty and COVID-19 death and infection rates. The effects of events like this run deep and well beyond the City of Buffalo and Erie County. The threat of violence, discrimination and racist rhetoric all have a strong, negative impact on a person’s emotional and mental health.   OMH is dedicated to ensuring that all New Yorkers, and especially those in underserved communities, have access to resources to mitigate mental health needs caused by racism, discrimination and hate crimes.    In addition to our work addressing the more immediate needs of those most closely affected by this tragedy, we are mindful of  the impact on those not in close proximity to Buffalo who are also affected because of social media and underlying historical trauma (especially in communities of color).   On Wednesday, May 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) will be hosting a Statewide community webinar - “Addressing Community Grief and Trauma in Wake of the Tragedy in Buffalo”. The presentation will help community leaders (e.g., clergy, education officials, local government, public safety leads, behavioral health providers) with understanding how to assist individuals/families/youth coping with the grief and trauma caused by this horrific event. While we will discuss the impact of the tragic event in Buffalo, the focus will be statewide, and we encourage anyone interested in assisting with the healing process across New York State to attend. The presentation will provide general information about the mental health effects of racism and violence, crisis response, and helping others cope with grief and trauma. Specific information focused on children and youth will also be provided.   Please register here: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed96cf42b8ecf32ea195aa1cdceb16fa8.   Additionally, please take the time to share and explore these resources:   NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline - (1-844-863-9314) can help you address the psychological stress caused by this tragedy. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline - (1-800-985-5990) Mental Health Effects of Racism - (https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/cultural_competence/the_mental_health_effects_of_racism.pdf) National Child Traumatic Stress Network - (https://www.nctsn.org/)   Ann Marie T. Sullivan, MD,  Commissioner New York State Office of Mental Health     

The recent racially motivated hate crime at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo New York in which the perpetrator targeted a Black community and has expressed white supremacy and anti-Semitic leanings has evoked a range of emotions and concerns of safety across the United States. In response to this event, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:

• Coping After Mass Violence
• For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence(En Español)
• Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with      Collective Traumas
• Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for      Educators(En Español)
• Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource      for Educators
• Talking with Children about Hate Crimes and      Anti-Semitism
• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass      Violence
• Talking to Children about Mass Violence
• Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after Mass      Violence
• Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
• Racial Injustices and Trauma: African Americans in      the US: NCTSN Position Statement
• Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for      Caregivers(En Español)
• Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief:      Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips      for Caregivers(En Español)
• The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After      a Parent or Caregiver Dies
• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event 
• Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s      book for young children 
• Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)

Psychological First Aid and Skills for Psychological Recovery 

The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA; En Español). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. PFA Mobile and the PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provide a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:

• Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers     (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children     (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents (En Español)
• Tips for Adults (En Español)

From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center 

• Transcend (mobile app to assist with      recovery after mass violence)
• Rebuild your Community: Resources for Community Leaders 
• Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors 
• Timeline of Activities to Promote Mental Health      Recovery 
• Self-Help: Resources for Survivors 
• E-learning Courses: Trainings for Clinicians 
• Resources for Victim Assistance Professionals 

From the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University

• Grief Leadership: Leadership in the Wake of Tragedy 
• Leadership Communication: Anticipating and      Responding to Stressful Events 
• Coping with Stress Following a Mass Shooting

Disaster Helpline

SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline - call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.

Additional Resources

For those that are needing technical assistance or additional resources, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Melissa Brymer at mbrymer@mednet.ucla.edu. 

(Content last reviewed May 13, 2022)

To address infant formula shortages in the wake of Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to ensure that infant formula is safe and available for families across the country. Yesterday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers, including Walmart, Target, Reckitt, and Gerber, to discuss ways to get more formula quickly and safely onto store shelves. He also announced a series of actions, including cutting red tape on the types of formula parents can buy, calling on the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to crack down on price gouging and unfair market practices, and increasing the supply of formula through increased imports.

Thanks to these efforts, manufacturers have ramped up production 30-50 percent, bringing total production today above pre-recall levels with a different mix of products and sizes now available in the market. Still, it’s clear that too many families continue to encounter challenges obtaining infant formula—especially families of about 5,000 infants as well as some older children and adults with rare metabolic diseases that depend on specialty formulas.

If you are unable to readily find formula, please consult the following resources that may be able to assist:

Manufacturer Hotlines

• Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert  reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text,  Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a      similar formula that may be more readily available
• Abbott’s      Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540
• Abbott’s      urgent product request line : ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form - PDF 
• Reckitt’s Customer Service line: call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)

Community Resources

• United      Way’s 2-1-1  :      dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
• Feeding America :   call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.
• Human Milk Banking Association of North America  (HMBANA):  certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited      milk bank

WIC-Eligible Families

• Contact  your local      WIC office to identify or obtain additional sources of infant formula nearby.

General Guidance

• Call  your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can      suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula.
• You should not water down formula, try to make formula at home, or use toddler formula to feed infants. Don’t discard formula unless it is expired or is part of the recall. Check your formula’s lot code  to see whether or not it was affected by the recall.
• You can find more guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
Content last reviewed May 13, 2022

Link to this information at:  https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2022 Contact: HHS Press Office 202-690-6343 media@hhs.gov 

 HHS Launches New Maternal Mental Health Hotline Hotline is the latest move of the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen both maternal health and mental health; President’s FY23 Budget would double the initial investment in the hotline. 

Today, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the launch of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. With an initial $3 million investment, the hotline will launch on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, with counselors available to provide mental health support. The President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget would more than double this initial investment, allowing HRSA to expand the Maternal Mental Health Hotline’s expert staffing and build additional capacity in its future phases. 

"The Biden-Harris Administration has a bold vision for changing the way we address, treat and integrate mental health—both in and out of health care settings," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This new Maternal Mental Health Hotline will not only advance our priorities of tackling the nation’s mental health crisis, but also support our efforts to ensure healthy pregnancies and support new parents." 

This announcement, being made during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, supports President Biden’s whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans—a key part of the President’s Unity Agenda that is reflected in the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Following the President’s State of the Union in March, Secretary Becerra kicked off the HHS National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health to address the mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including substance use, youth mental health, and suicide. 

Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained counselors who are culturally and trauma-informed, as well as referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources. 

"Today, we are creating a safe space for expecting and new moms who are experiencing maternal depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns to have confidential conversations and get the support they need," said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. "Moms can call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS and connect with a counselor at no charge. We are going to continue to grow our investments in this resource, as we know it’s what women need." 

The Maternal Mental Health Hotline reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive approach to improving maternal health and equity since the President and Vice President first took office. Last year, Vice President Harris hosted the first-ever federal Maternal Day of Action where she announced a historic Call to Action to improve health outcomes for parents and infants in the United States. The launch of this hotline is part of HHS ongoing efforts to support safe pregnancies and childbirth, and eliminate pregnancy-related health disparities. 

Ahead of Mother’s Day weekend, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced today that Tennessee and South Carolina can begin offering Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for 12 months postpartum to an estimated 22,000 and 16,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals, respectively, through a new state plan opportunity made available by the American Rescue Plan. 

Last month, HHS released a $9 million funding opportunity to expand HRSA’s State Maternal Health Innovation Program and awarded $16 million to support the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. HHS also recently released a $4.5 million funding opportunity to expand community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.  In addition, HHS is funding seven states to support a Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression Program to expand women’s health care providers’ training in mental health and to provide them with teleconsultation access to mental health specialists to support their patients’ mental health needs. 

The hotline is accessible by phone or text at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish. TTY Users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746. 

The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line and individuals in behavioral health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).   

For   Immediate Release:  3/14/2022 

GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER FOR SCHOOLS  

Funding is Latest in Long List of Governor's Initiatives and Proposals to Help Children and Families get the Behavioral Healthcare they Need  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $2.5 million over five years to create and support a Mental Health Resource and Training Technical Assistance Center for Schools. The center will support all New York State public and private schools, and assist them in providing mental health education as part of the K-12 health curricula.  

"The pandemic has made life difficult for all New Yorkers, including young people who have been through so much these past two years," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will help ensure that schools in New York are able to teach our children about mental health with an age-appropriate curriculum that will decrease fear and stigma and encourage kids to talk to their parents, caregivers or teachers about any concerns they may have." 

OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "New York has been a national leader in providing mental health education and services for children and youth. OMH has in fact licensed more than 1,000 school-based mental health clinics across NYS, which has increased access to mental health services for children and families. But we must also teach our children that mental health is as important as physical health, and they should not be afraid to ask questions or seek out help if necessary. The resource center will help our schools teach this valuable lesson to all children and their families."  

Mental Health education in school offers the opportunity to provide a positive impact on the overall health of children by enhancing their understanding of mental health. This holistic approach has the ability to reduce stigma and normalize mental health and wellness activities and may also promote help seeking behaviors.   

The Mental Health Resource and Training Technical Assistance Center for Schools will help all New York State public and private schools provide required mental health instruction and assist schools by informing the content and incorporation of mental health into health curriculum.  

More information on the Request for Proposals is available here on the OMH website  

The Governor's announcement is the latest initiative to ensure New York's young people are receiving the mental health services they may need. Her recently released Executive Budget invests heavily in children's mental health services, including:  

Recover from COVID School Program (RECOVS): An investment of $100 million over two years will create a new State matching fund that will prioritize and assist school districts with the highest needs. Funding will support the hiring of mental health professionals and the expansion of school-based mental health services. It will also fund expansion of summer learning, after school, extended-day, and extended-year programs to help students make up academic ground. 

HealthySteps:  The Executive Budget would increase funding by $10 million. HealthySteps helps pediatricians expand their focus on a child's physical health to include social-emotional and behavioral health and to help support family relationships. Healthy Steps is facilitated by a mental health professional with expertise in child and family development who works with families and their pediatricians to provide mental health and trauma-informed care into the primary care setting.  

Child Health Plus Insurance: The Executive Budget includes $11 million in FY 2023 (growing to $44 million in FY 2024) to improve access to children's behavioral health services by aligning Child Health Plus benefits with Medicaid benefits, including mental health and substance use services, home- and community-based services, evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, and residential rehabilitation for youth.  

Trauma-Informed Care network: The Governor's budget includes $10 million to expand the network and provide specialized treatment that addresses experiences that can traumatize children, including the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS):  The Executive Budget increases funding for this program by $8 million. CFTSS provides an array of services, including youth and family peer supports and psychosocial rehabilitation, and can work with children and youth before they have a diagnosis, providing individualized and community-based supports for both prevention and treatment.  

Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI): Governor Hochul proposed an increase in funding ($7.5M in 2022-23; $10M Full Annual) to develop new HBCI teams and expand current caseloads to serve 2,640 families each year, doubling the current volume.  HBCI provides short-term, intensive, in-home crisis intervention services to a family in crisis as an alternative to admitting their child in a psychiatric hospital.   

Residential Treatment Facilities: These facilities serve our most vulnerable and highest needs children. The Governor's Budget would significantly increase funding ($7.5 million in State funds, $15 million with matching Federal funds).   

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "The challenges today's young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate, and the effect on their mental health is devastating. Helping our schools to provide mental health education, mental health professional support, and social emotional learning for students, educators, and families was a priority for the Board and Department even before the pandemic. This mental health resources and technical assistance center will help reduce disparities in access to mental health treatment in our schools and communities." 

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "We must think of mental health services in a comprehensive way that supports a transformative whole school, whole child, whole community approach. Embedding resources and learning into all facets of a school helps provide culturally competent care and supports for the stress, trauma, and anxiety faced by students and educators alike. I am grateful to the Governor for this funding and we will continue to work closely with Commissioner Sullivan and her staff." 

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, "Increasing awareness about mental health through education destigmatizes conversations and makes it easier for students to get the support they need. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for making these funds available to enhance mental health curriculum in our schools. The pandemic has been especially difficult for our students - we need to do everything we can to support them." 

State Senator Samra Brouk said, "The social and emotional stress associated with the pandemic have been seriously disruptive for our young people, and the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 6,600 teens and young adults died by suicide in 2020 alone. Today's announcement of $2.5 million to create a Mental Health Resource and Training Technical Assistance Center for Schools is a step in the right direction. Let's continue to invest in critically needed mental health resources aimed at young people—including investments in tele mental health services, growing our mental health workforce to increase capacity and cultural competence, and crisis intervention services like the new 9-8-8 mental health and substance abuse crisis lifeline." 

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, "Mental Health care is vital to all our communities and during my time in the Assembly I have seen firsthand the struggle to provide adequate care. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul on the announcement of $2.5 million for the creation of a Mental Health Resource and Training center. We know that the pandemic has greatly affected children's mental health, and access to mental health services in schools is vital. As a nurse and an Assemblywoman, I have always fought for what was best for my constituents. I look forward to the positive effects that this funding will have on the children of New York State." 

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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov