Schoharie County Announces SAMHSA Children’s Mental Health Initiative Award to Strengthen Mental Health Support for Youth and Families

Schoharie County Community Services has received an award in the total amount of $3,780,295 over four years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHSA) through the SAMHSA Children's Mental Health Initiative. It supports the Schoharie County System of Care, an initiative to strengthen mental health services for youth and families throughout the county.

The System of Care brings together schools, behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, family support, county services and community partners. Its purpose is to improve mental health services, coordination around youth and family needs and make connections to appropriate support more readily accessible for families.

"Our goal is simple: no child or family in Schoharie County should have to navigate mental health challenges alone or struggle to figure out where to turn for help," said Sarah Nies, Director of Community Services for Schoharie County. "This award gives our partners an opportunity to strengthen those connections and keep youth and family perspectives at the center of the work."

"This award is a significant investment in Schoharie County that will strengthen the connections between our behavioral health providers, health care organizations, schools, and family support services. For families in our rural communities, that means less time searching for answers and more time getting the care and support our children need," said Bill Federice, Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors.

The partnership includes all Schoharie County school districts: Cobleskill-Richmondville School, Schoharie School, Middleburgh School, Gilboa-Conesville School, Jefferson School and Sharon Springs School. Participating organizations include The Neighborhood Center Inc., Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, Bassett Healthcare Network, Bassett Research Institute, Schoharie County Community Services, and the Mohawk Valley Behavioral Health Care Collaborative.

"The Bassett Research Institute is honored to be partnering with Schoharie County Community Services to lead the evaluation of its System of Care development. Behavioral and pediatric health are critical areas requiring dedicated analysis," said Tyler Malone, PhD, Director of the Bassett Research Institute.

Dr. Melissa Scribani, a research investigator at the Institute and lead evaluator for the work, stated, "The evaluation team will work together with project partners and stakeholders to measure this initiative's impact. Ongoing data collection and analysis will provide a strong framework for feedback to demonstrate achievement of program goals, highlight successes, and identify opportunities for growth." Dr. Scribani will be assisted by Nicole Krupa, a data analyst and fellow member of the Bassett Research team.

The countywide vision includes prevention, early identification, treatment, crisis support, linkage to resources and family services. Specific activities will follow the approved grant and implementation plan. Planning will consider rural access needs, including distance, transportation and the availability of services, while incorporating youth and family perspectives.

"The Neighborhood Center is deeply honored and excited to partner with the Schoharie County Department of Mental Health on its recently awarded System of Care Grant. As a provider of crisis services in Schoharie County, we understand the importance of coordinating services to address the complex needs of youth and families. This work is especially vital in today's society, as numerous stressors affect the well-being of young people and adults alike. These stressors include economic hardship, housing instability, food insecurity, social stigma, family strain, substance use, and many other adverse experiences. Schoharie County should be commended for providing the leadership necessary to develop a holistic system-of-care approach that addresses the complex needs facing our communities," said Sandra Soroka, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Center, Inc.

The award announcement was held October 14, 2026, in front of the Schoharie County Community Services building with New York State Senator Peter Oberacker (R - 51st District) and New York State Assemblyman Chris Tague (R - 102nd District) in attendance. The ceremony marked the launch of the partnership. Service availability, eligibility and implementation dates will be communicated as they are confirmed.

This System of Care Initiative is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number (H79SM090798). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement by, SAMHSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

This article was published in partnership with Schoharie County Community Services. Click here to visit their website and learn more.