UMass Memorial Health Community Healthlink has been selected as one of six recipients of the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grant by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. This $600,000 grant will support CHL's "Together for Kids" (TFK) program, aimed at promoting social-emotional development and behavioral health among young children in Central Massachusetts.

Lori Simkowitz-Lavigne, Vice President of CHL's Services division, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to early childhood mental health and for investing in programs that provide essential, holistic services to children, families, and educators." 

The TFK program takes a comprehensive approach, consisting of three core components:

1. Behavioral health consultation for educators and families

2. Training for educators and families on topics related to social0emotional health in children

3. Referrals for more intensive services such as child/parent psychotherapy and psychological assessments

The goal of the program is to establish a strong foundation for success in young children as they navigate family, social, and educational relationships. 

TFK's impact is substantial, serving around 75 childcare programs in 28 cities and towns across Central Massachusetts annually. This translates to approximately 300 teachers in 140 classrooms and positively influences the learning environments for about 2,200 children. Additionally, clinicians offer child and family-focused consultation services to approximately 175 children and families each year. 

With this grant, the TFK program is well-positioned to continue its vital work in enhancing the mental and behavioral health of young children, benefiting the entire Central Massachusetts community.