Maryland universities receive $2.5 million in funds for MH training

Abstract

Four Maryland universities will receive more than $2.5 million in federal funding to beef up the number of mental health professionals available to schools, National Public Radio reported on May 16. The University of Maryland, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University; Bowie State University and Loyola University Maryland each will receive federal grants from the U.S. Education Department ranging from $377,000 for Loyola to $825,000 for UMD‐Baltimore. The funds stem from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation signed into law nearly a year ago. The five‐year program gives out funds to tackle mental health crises in schools and has already awarded $286 million across 48 states and territories. “Disruption in schools due to COVID‐19, economic anxiety, job losses, and learning challenges have exacer‐bated pre‐existing mental health challenges,” said House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D‐Conn.). “Our youth need help, and this is a burden that teachers, administrators, and parents cannot alleviate on their own. These grants will expand the program's reach, helping to move us closer to my goal of ensuring every child goes to a school that has a qualified mental health professional on staff.”