In response to widespread and increasing mental health needs of teens and youth, Governor Phil Murphy announced a multi-pronged effort through schools and institutions of higher education to support youth mental health. The Department of Human Services, in partnership with the National Council of Behavioral Health, will conduct Mental Health First Aid trainings for school personnel. The Department of Education will lead a statewide youth mental health working group that will develop resources, including best practices for school and mental health provider connections to support student needs.
One in five Americans have a mental illness and many are reluctant to reach out for help or do not know where to get help. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, and more than one in four students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless.
The statewide Mental Health First Aid Training, in partnership with the National Council of Behavioral Health, will provide every New Jersey public school district, charter or renaissance school, approved private school for students with disabilities (APSSD), and higher education institution the opportunity to send at least one staff person to an intensive training to become a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. Participants will learn the risk factors and warning signs of youth mental health issues and be able to connect students to the appropriate resources and supports from community behavioral health providers.
The effort will be supported by $6 million in training initiatives and funded through opioid programs included in the state’s FY 2020 budget.
