Aspirehope NY provides Peer Support in Allegany County, at no direct cost to your family
From Heather Gill, AspireHope NY- follow on Facebook
This week Mental Health America released their annual “State of Mental Health in America” report based on data collected until 2022, and the findings are concerning. 1 in 5 youths experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year, with less than half of them recieving treatment. 13% of Youths age 13-17 reported having serious thoughts of suicide, and 9% of youth’s in America had a substance use disorder in the last year. As most families who face mental health struggles know, barriers to care in Allegany county are higher than most areas in the state and country. But that isn’t the entire picture, 60.5% of youths in the country are flourishing. That 60.5% are flourishing due to things like school engagement, and positive outcomes with their mental health treatments and supports. So how do we bridge the gap? How do we ensure that all children have that quality school engagement, the proper services and supports, and positive outcomes? One of the ways that many states including New York are working to bridge these gaps is through Peer Support, provided by NYS credentialed Family Peer Advocates.
Family Peer Support, is a non-clinical service available to families who have children that are identified with a mental health condition or qualifying diagnosis. This free to families service, connects caregivers with an Advocate who has lived experience raising a child who has experienced mental health struggles, and navigating the supports and services their child needed to thrive. Through self-assessment and goal planning, a Family Peer Advocate can walk along side a caregiver, providing emotional support, education, guidance, and advocacy. A Peer Advocate can also help you locate and connect with other supports and services that are available to you and your child.
Aspirehope.org
AspirehopeNY provides Peer Support in Allegany County, at no direct cost to your family. You can connect to us through our website at https://www.aspirehope.org/Refer-to-Us or by contacting the Family Engagement Specialist serving Allegany County, Heather Gill – FPA directly by phone (585-296-9006) or by email (Hgill@aspirehope.org).
