New York State Announces First In-Person Meeting of the Statewide Youth Mental Health Advisory Board

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced the first in-person meeting of New York's Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, accomplishing a key initiative laid out during Governor Kathy Hochul's 2024 State of the State address. The 30-member advisory board has representation from 19 counties located in every region throughout the state and includes youth between the ages of 11 and 17, providing a broad array of perspective.

"With the unique pressures so many young people are experiencing today, it's critical that we listen to their perspective and learn about the issues they view as impacting them the most," Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "The Youth Mental Health Advisory Board will offer invaluable insight into the issues facing our youth and help us to build and strengthen supports for their mental well-being. Governor Hochul has demonstrated a lasting commitment to listening to our youth, so that we can meaningfully address their mental health concerns."

The advisory board includes 10 members from the five-borough New York City area and five each from the four OMH regions, which include Long Island, Hudson River, Western New York, and Central New York. The 30 members are each between the ages of 11 and 17 and were selected from a statewide pool of more than 350 applicants.

Board members met in-person for the first time Saturday in Troy along with leadership from OMH and the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The full-day meeting followed two virtual sessions that were conducted during the summer.

"We remain committed to supporting all New Yorkers facing substance use and mental health challenges, and this advisory board gives us a chance to connect with young people across the state to hear their concerns and discuss the best ways to meet their needs," OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. "I look forward to continued collaboration to address these important issues, as we work to support Governor Hochul's ambitious mental health initiatives."

The advisory board will convene quarterly, including two meetings that will be in-person, and will provide feedback gathered during these sessions. Youth Power at Families Together in New York State is organizing the advisory board meetings and compile this feedback.

Last year, OMH facilitated Governor Hochul's statewide Youth Mental Health Listening Tour, which culminated with the Youth Mental Health Summit and gathered input to influence future initiatives. Subsequently, she directed OMH to form the advisory board to ensure that youth-informed best practices continue to be incorporated in developing behavioral health programs and policies.

Governor Hochul has remained steadfast in her commitment to protecting the mental health of children and teenagers, enacting nation-leading legislation to address online safety and the harmful impacts of social media. Earlier this year, she signed into the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Actto restrict the addictive features of social media and the New York Child Data Protection Actto restrict the collection of minors' personal data by online sites. As part of her $1 billion mental health initiative, Governor Hochul has also significantly expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families -investments that were increased again in the FY 2025 State Budget.These investments include $20 million in start-up funding and a rolling application process for school-based mental health clinics; providing $9.6 million to add 12 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment to ensure resources and supports are available for more families; and increasing funding for the Teen Mental Health First Aid training program, which utilizes peer ambassadors to engage young people.