Black Family Philanthropies has generously donated $5 million to support the behavioral health workforce of NYC Health + Hospitals. This gift will greatly aid in providing necessary resources to ensure the well-being of the health system’s community.
As part of its Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program, NYC Health + Hospitals will receive a funding boost of $5 million, with $4 million being allocated towards student debt relief for behavioral health staff who commit to a three-year stint with the organization. This move aims to attract and retain clinicians who specialize in caring for individuals with mental health or substance use treatment needs, which is crucial given the current shortage of mental health professionals nationwide. The remaining $1 million will be used to support staff retention through career advancement and workplace safety initiatives, which serve as essential capacity-building strategies to complement recruitment efforts.
NYC Health + Hospitals is set to provide over 120 of its behavioral health providers with student debt relief amounting up to $75,000, depending on their field. This is the first time that nurses who work in behavioral health settings, licensed creative arts therapists, and correctional health services staff can benefit from these funds. Moreover, psychiatrists, psychiatric physician assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers are also eligible for this program. Early career psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners have an average student debt of $190,000, $80,000, $68,000, and $56,000, respectively.
Georges H. Leconte, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, expressed that loan repayment serves as a great incentive for behavioral health professionals who are committed to serving the health system. He believes that this is a sure way to attract the best and brightest individuals who can focus their efforts on alleviating the behavioral health crisis in the city by providing quality care to patients. Leconte extended his gratitude to Black Family Philanthropies for their generous donation to this important cause and for recognizing the crucial role played by NYC Health + Hospitals as the largest provider of mental health and substance use services in New York City.