To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the Arizona Department of Education announced $12.1 million in targeted funding for health and learning. notMYkid will be receiving $2 million to expand its prevention and behavioral health services to 50,000 youth, parents, caregivers and school faculty. These services will focus particularly on serving Title-I schools, LGBTQ youth, and low-income students and their families.

“We know students learn best when they feel their best mentally and physically,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. “We want every parent to feel confident, knowing that their kids are learning at their highest potential, and these investments will play an important role in achieving that goal.”

The funding will help notMYkid reach 50,000 school-aged youth, parents/caregivers, and school faculty throughout Arizona.

“Our prevention, family navigation, and peer support services are delivered in-person and virtually through our technology-assisted care mobile app,” said Kristen Polin, CEO of notMYKid. This tremendous support from the Department of Education will allow us to expand our evidenced-based programming to reach thousands of students in grades 6-12 across the state and support communities hit hardest by the pandemic, as well as LGBTQ youth, minority groups, and low-income families.”

Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults 10-24 in 2021 (CDC) and Arizona ranks in the top 10 nationally for youth suicides. Compromised youth mental health leads to negative risk taking and an increased chance of developing a substance use disorder. Research shows a severe gap in behavioral healthcare services for youth and access to immediate services has become very limited due to COVID-19. Those hit hardest are the most disadvantaged children and they need increased mental health support as they struggle to manage grief, anxiety, or other emotional needs that will require long-term monitoring and an ongoing response.

About notMYkid:
Founded in 2000, notMYkid is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring positive life choices. notMYkid passionately works to educate and protect our community’s kids by providing a full continuum of life-saving prevention, early intervention, behavioral health support, and well-being programs. Our team of prevention and behavioral health experts are dedicated to helping youth overcome challenges during their most vulnerable years. Programs are traditionally delivered in schools, community organizations, at the workplace, and direct to devices via our Podcast and webinars. For more information or to donate, visit http://www.notMYkid.org.