Executive Summary
More young people in America are struggling with mental health and addiction issues now than at any other point in history, and they are least likely to receive help. Left unaddressed, their needs will lead to suicide, fractured families, weakened communities, and cost the country billions annually.
It is time to ensure that today’s generation, and those to follow, can heal and thrive. Through National Council for Behavioral Health and Family Centered Treatment Foundation solutions, we will empower a generation with the skills to recognize, discuss, and seek care for mental health and addiction conditions by expanding access to the internationally recognized Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.
We also will ensure that care is available to all who need it by expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics so youth, especially those in marginalized groups, can receive help. We have the opportunity and means to alter the course of mental health for the entire US.
Lead Organization
National Council for Behavioral Health
website: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/Charity, fund, non-governmental organization, religious institution, school, or other entity
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Accomplishments
The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted access to vital mental health services, exacerbated social isolation, and undermined personal connections for all people. Fortunately, the National Council has succeeded in expanding our work to support young people and community mental wellness. In the past year, more than 147 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) have been established across the country.
These CCBHCs are providing a comprehensive range of mental health services to vulnerable individuals and at-risk communities and are doing so in coordination with other community-based programs. The National Council also has successfully transitioned our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, including our teen and Youth MHFA programs, to a fully virtual and blended learning model. This has allowed the National Council to continue to provide mental health literacy and awareness training when such knowledge and skills are more important than ever.
