New funding for Oishei Hospital psychiatric clinic

Oishei Children’s Hospital is set to receive $2.9 million in funding for the hospital’s psychiatric clinic.

The money will be used to improve current suicide prevention protocols and expand access to preventative screening by hosting community events and increasing outreach to underserved populations in the region.

“This grant will transform the pediatric mental and behavioral health services we provide here at LCO,” said Dori Marshall, MD, chief medical officer at LCO. “Not only will we be able to expand our current screening processes, but we will also open up entirely new avenues of outreach and expand access in our region.”

This comes as New York State saw a 6% increase in pediatric suicides between 2011 and 2021.

Although all Oishei patients will be screened for suicide risk, this will open the possibility of follow-up consultations for patients deemed to be at low risk.

“We are thrilled to have received the Suicide Prevention Grant from the Office of Mental Health,” said Chelsey McCabe, PhD, director of the OCH Child Psychiatry Clinic. “This funding will be critical as we scale up our prevention efforts and continue to support youth mental health, particularly as we work with community partners in historically underserved populations who are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes. mental health.

The new funding will also expand coverage of underrepresented groups in the Buffalo area. LCO will collaborate with community organizations such as the Delevan Grider Community Center, Jewish Family Services, Buffalo International Institute, Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York and Mental Health Advocates of WNY.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline is available 24/7, is free and provides confidential support.