Press Release: 7/9/2025
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grant awarded to organizations serving 2nd Essex District
(BOSTON—7/8/2025) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) announces that
two organizations providing mental health support for children have been awarded funding via the FY26
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grant program.
“I am pleased that these Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grants have been awarded to
organizations that will provide the mental health our children need to thrive,” said Senator Lovely.
“Thank you to the Department of Early Education & Care for prioritizing our young people’s mental
health.”
Each of the organizations is receiving funding to provide services to cities and towns across the
Commonwealth. Behavioral Health Network, Inc., which serves Salem, received an award of $938,956,
while Massachusetts Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which serves Danvers, Beverly, Salem,
and Peabody, received $1,154,471 in funding.
The goal of the Early Childhood Mental Health Grant is to provide early childhood mental health
consultation services through a statewide system that meets the needs of the programs, providers,
educators, children, families, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Ultimately, EEC seeks to provide early childhood mental health consultation services that address the
developmental, social and emotional, and behavioral challenges of infants and young children that will
support healthy development, reduce the suspension and expulsion rate in early education and care
settings, and promote school success.