Easterseals to start early childhood mental health program with $2.5M grant

Originally published by The Oakland Press

Easterseals Michigan, a behavioral health services agency, has been awarded a a $2.5 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The agency plans to use the grant dollars to implement a new infant and early childhood mental health program, according to a release, targeting kids ages six and under. It will focus on prevention, screenings, early intervention and treatment services for children who have experienced chronic stress or trauma and their caregivers.

“This grant provides us the privilege to serve over 800 children and their families, while also supporting the community as a whole through developing a trauma focused workforce,” Brent Wirth, president and CEO of Easterseals Michigan said. “Addressing trauma and mental health early in children and their caregivers can have a positive lifelong impact for generations.”

Infants and children who go deal with chronic stress or trauma are four times more likely to develop a mental health disorder by adulthood, according to the agency.

The grant will go towards bringing mental health consultation to eight partner sites and additional training for mental health professionals.

Read the full story at The Oakland Press