End Substance Use Disorder Statement on HHS Expansion of Funding to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care for Children and Adolescents

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $14.2 million dollars would be invested to expand access to behavioral health care for children and adolescents. The grants will support behavioral health care teams across the country in identifying and treating mental health conditions and substance use disorders among our nation’s youth.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for us all, and our children are suffering from depression, anxiety, and increased substance use,” said End Substance Use Disorder president Erin Schanning. “We must address our children’s suffering and promote their healing by providing immediate access to evidence-based care. Identifying behavioral health conditions early is a proven way to prevent substance use disorder in adolescence and adulthood. This investment today is a necessary expansion of services, particularly for underserved communities.”

Currently, about 1 in 5 children between the ages of 3 and 17 experience some type of mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health condition. End Substance Use Disorder supports policies to care for youth who face behavioral health challenges, including early childhood development projects and screening and treatment for mental health conditions and substance use.