Expansion of HealthySteps Program for Pediatric and Family Practices

The New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) is offering funding to expand the implementation of the HealthySteps program. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of pediatric and family medicine practices across New York State to deliver comprehensive services to young children (0-3 years) and their families. The program prioritizes expanding access to areas currently without HealthySteps sites and those with a higher percentage of births covered by Medicaid or self-pay. Up to 38 awards are anticipated, with a total funding of approximately $18.4 million distributed over five years. HealthySteps is an evidence-based program that integrates mental health and physical well-being within pediatric healthcare settings. It utilizes a HealthySteps Specialist, a professional in child development, to partner with families during well-child visits. The Specialist provides support for developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral health, addresses concerns such as feeding, sleep, and behavior, screens for caregiver mental health and social determinants of health, and offers referrals and care coordination. This two-generation approach aims to promote preventative efforts, enhance positive outcomes, and prevent future mental health challenges for children and families. All applicants must be prequalified by the RFP due date and submit applications through the Statewide Financial System. The full Request for Applications (RFA) can be found at https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/