Kentucky to participate in youth mental health program

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A project to support youth mental health is coming to Kentucky.

The state was invited to participate in the Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, according to the office of Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman.

The program is a yearlong cohort to support student mental health, the release states. Additional states taking part in the program include Alabama, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Virginia.

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Children and Families team chose the states that will participate.

“We believe every child in Kentucky should grow up happy and healthy,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Like many states, Kentucky faces a significant barrier in student success due to the student mental health crisis. It is imperative that we address these issues head on.”

The six states will advance student mental health and wellbeing across a variety of state-led approaches, the release states, and Kentucky’s state team will focus on expanding and improving school-based mental health services and support.

News 40 will share further details as they become available.