Governor Hochul Announces Funding for Mental Health Efforts Among Military Veterans and Uniformed Personnel
New Initiative Aims to Expand Suicide Prevention Efforts and Wellness Programming
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday up to $2 million in funding to expand mental health efforts among military veterans and uniformed personnel. The money will be awarded through the CARES UP initiative, which provides funding for personnel agencies and organizations to advance suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming.
About CARES UP
The CARES UP program, which was first launched by the Suicide Prevention Center of New York in 2022, will award $60,000 over two years to each selected personnel agency. Qualifying agencies include law enforcement departments, fire districts, emergency medical services, corrections departments, and emergency dispatch agencies.
Funding Allocation
The money will go towards resources that address the unique needs of each agency, such as hosting wellness training, expanding internal peer support resources, or purchasing mental health apps for staff and their families. According to a press release from the state, it is common for uniformed personnel to experience cumulative stress and trauma, placing these individuals at greater risk of suicide.
Commissioner’s Statement
"CARES UP promotes positive mental wellness and self-care for New Yorkers who risk their own safety to protect our communities," said Ann Sullivan, the Office of Mental Health commissioner. "This assistance can be lifesaving for individuals encountering on-the-job stress and trauma as they work to process their experiences."
Support for Veterans
These grants will also support veterans’ organizations through the Onward Ops Program, which aims to support service members as they transition back into civilian life after their tour of duty ends. New York veterans have a consistently higher rate of suicide than civilians, according to a press release from the state.
Senator’s Statement
"As Chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee in the New York Senate — and as the wife of an Army veteran — I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges our veterans face when they return home from deployment," State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said. "Governor Hochul’s call to action through this funding is an important step in addressing this crisis."
Application Process
Agencies and veterans interested in applying for the next cohort can visit the CARES UP website for materials. Submissions are due on Jan. 31.
Conclusion
The CARES UP initiative is a vital step in addressing the mental health needs of military veterans and uniformed personnel. By providing funding for suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming, the state is taking a proactive approach to supporting those who have risked their lives to protect others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CARES UP initiative?
A: The CARES UP initiative is a program that provides funding for personnel agencies and organizations to advance suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming.
Q: What is the funding allocation for the CARES UP initiative?
A: The funding allocation is up to $2 million, with $60,000 awarded to each selected personnel agency over two years.
Q: What are the qualifying agencies for the CARES UP initiative?
A: Qualifying agencies include law enforcement departments, fire districts, emergency medical services, corrections departments, and emergency dispatch agencies.
Q: What is the Onward Ops Program?
A: The Onward Ops Program is a program that aims to support service members as they transition back into civilian life after their tour of duty ends.
Q: When are submissions due for the next cohort of the CARES UP initiative?
A: Submissions are due on Jan. 31.
