Loading....
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of children. Between March and July, 4,200 children in New York State suffered the loss of a parent or guardian to COVID-19. An additional 325,000 children have fallen into or near poverty due to this pandemic. As a result of COVID-19, children and teens are grappling with unprecedented economic deprivation, housing insecurity, loneliness, disrupted and disjointed schooling, and a grave loss of life in their families and local communities. There has been a spike in anxiety and depression among young people both nationally and in New York, and child psychiatrists in our state report that there is an increase in the number of young people presenting at the hospital in significant psychiatric distress.
It has never been more important to protect children’s behavioral health against cuts.
Yet without federal relief or new revenue, New York is at risk of making devastating cuts to a behavioral health system that is already underfunded.. Children and families cannot afford to lose access to life-saving mental health and substance use supports if New York hopes to recover and build back better.
Please take a moment to personalize the letter below and let your elected leaders know how important children’s behavioral health services are to you and your community. With your voices, we can secure a better future for New Yorkers.
Please note: This is a two-step process. Your letters will not be sent until you submit your name and address in Step 1 and click "Take Action" to send your message.