The four-year grant will be awarded to Endeavor Health Services and Compeer Buffalo.
Buffalo, NY – Federal grants have been awarded to two nonprofit organizations to support mental health in Western New York.
Congressman Brian Higgins announced two four-year grants totaling more than $957,000 to Endeavor Health Services and Compeer Buffalo. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the grants will support community mental health programs in Western New York.
Endeavor Health Services will use the grant to work with schools, primary care offices, nursing homes and other organizations to support appropriate and safe responses to people living with mental illness. Their goal is to train more than 1,800 people.
Endeavor Health Services CEO Elizabeth L. Mauro said, “This project will highlight the urgent need for awareness, support and access to care for those in need.”
Endeavor Health Services will receive $457,177 in federal grants over the next four years.
Compeer Buffalo will use their grant funds to train 750 people in mental health first aid each year for the next four years.
Compeer Buffalo and International CEO Cher Alvarez said the training “is designed to educate the average person about what mental health is, what it looks like, how to recognize when a friend, family member or colleague may be struggling, and what you can do about it”
Compeer Buffalo is currently offering Mental Health First Aid training for individuals, groups or businesses. You can learn more about the training sessions and register here.
Compeer Buffalo will receive $500,000 over the next four years.
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Endeavor Health Services and Compeer Buffalo are long-standing partners providing life-saving care referrals and educating the community on how to better support the mental health needs of their peers.”
Both organizations plan to use these federal grants to support mental health awareness and take steps to end the stigma surrounding mental health.