New mental health grants announced post-Newtown

Federal health officials announced nearly $100 million in new grants to boost mental health services for young people, nearly two years after a school shooting in Newtown, Conn. prompted a national debate on the issue.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell said the money would be divided between training new mental health professionals to work with youth, educating teachers about signs of mental illness, and widening access to treatment for high-risk groups.

{mosads}”The administration is committed to increasing access to mental health services to protect the health of children and communities,” Burwell said in a statement.

The grants mark the latest stage in a federal effort to reduce gun violence and mental illness following the 2012 Newtown shooting.

The White House shifted its focus to executive and administrative actions after Congress failed to approve new firearm regulations following the tragedy, in which 20 children and six teachers died.

The Obama administration has already spent at least $100 million on mental health programs specifically because of the shooting. In one case, Vice President Biden announced new funds for establishing community health centers through the Department of Agriculture.

Monday’s awards went to colleges, state agencies, school districts and non-profit groups. The largest grants cost roughly $1,950,000.