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.