STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut UConn has been awarded a $587,633 grant aimed at bolstering mental health treatment and support for residents, particularly students. This funding is part of the Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program, which seeks to expand access to mental health resources in schools across the state.
The grant will facilitate the development of creative partnerships, enhance school-based mental health services, and increase the number of available mental health professionals in Connecticut. The initiative comes in response to the growing mental health needs among students, which have been exacerbated by various challenges in recent years.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro CT-03 and U.S. Rep. John Larson CT-01 announced the funding, emphasizing the importance of mental health for the well-being of Connecticut’s youth.
DeLauro remarked on the urgent need for a robust workforce of mental health professionals who can provide comprehensive care and support within schools and communities.
“With this funding, UConn can continue to develop a strong pipeline of mental health professionals who can ensure our students have access to the mental health services they need, DeLauro stated.
She highlighted her efforts to secure a $74 million increase for essential programs, including the School-Based Mental Health Services Grants and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grants, which are critical in addressing the youth mental health crisis.
Larson added that one in six youths in the United States experiences a mental health issue annually, making it imperative to prioritize the mental well-being of children and adolescents.
He expressed gratitude for DeLauro’s leadership on the Appropriations Committee, which has resulted in increased federal funding for health care workforce development.
This new grant will support programs at UConn to train mental health care providers and ensure our schools have the personnel and resources needed to support students of all ages, Larson said.
The funding will empower UConn to recruit and train more school-based mental health service providers, ultimately creating a more supportive environment for students and enabling mental health professionals to make a meaningful impact in their communities.