As our nation focuses its public health efforts on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital to recognize the importance of mental health care, particularly for the most vulnerable among us. We also must ensure that those on the front lines of helping others have the support and training they need to stay healthy and be at their most effective.
Therefore, in observance of National Public Health Week, the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research is sharing the following:
Training Resources for Social Service Providers. Through our Technical Assistance Centers (CTAC, MCTAC, TTAC and MC-COP) we are providing training, consultation, and educational resources to all mental health, substance use disorder, child welfare and intellectual and developmental disability-focused agencies in New York State, as well as infant and early childhood mental health providers throughout New York City. Members of the public can access free archives video training resources that address trauma-informed services, resiliency, parenting, grieving and self-care through our COVID-19 Technical Assistance Training Resources page.
Resources for Navigating Life and Social Service Work. We have curated information and resources to help social service providers and members of the general public in New York and beyond through our COVID-19: Know and Care page.
Discussions about Black Men and Mental Health. With growing evidence that people of color are disproportionately represented among COVID-19 cases and more vulnerable to losing their incomes as workplaces shut down, we are sharing discussions from Season 2 of our podcast Black Boys and Men: Changing the Narrative relating to mental health and the ways that Black men have been seeking help prior to the pandemic.
Research about Black Youth and Mental Health. Likewise, Black children are especially vulnerable to life disruptions and stress during the pandemic. The Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health released a report last December titled Ring The Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America. Produced by a working group of experts led by NYU McSilver, it contains research about depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior in Black youth, as well as what conditions can help protect them from mental health disorders.
NYU McSilver is committed to being a resource during this unprecedented moment of need, and beyond.