UME Receives $580K Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Training

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) has received a $580,000 grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to expand mental health awareness and literacy, and crisis response training across Maryland over the next three years.

The initiative, led by UME Mental Health Specialist Alexander Chan, will build on the extension’s Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid programs; the goal is to equip community members with the skills to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, safely de-escalate crisis situations, identify community resources and connect individuals with appropriate services.

The need for accessible mental health education is significant, with nearly one in four U.S. adults experiencing a mental health issue in the past year, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Approximately one in five adolescents ages 12 to 17 experienced moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in 2024, the survey found.

“Many people feel nervous to intervene during a mental health crisis, if they even recognize the situation as such,” said Chan. “The training is important to help people identify the early warning signs of a mental health challenge and intervene before a person lands in the emergency room, or in police custody.”

Through the grant, UME will expand training for individuals who are positioned to support others in their communities. The initiative will also improve access to services and support by building stronger partnerships among local mental health agencies and service providers, schools, emergency response organizations and community leaders.