Project Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health (Project LAUNCH)

Project LAUNCH grants are authorized under Section 520A of the Public Health Service Act (PDF | 966 KB), as amended. The purpose of this program is to promote the wellness of young children, from birth to 8 years of age, by addressing the social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral aspects of their development, preparing young children to thrive in school and beyond.

Project Goals

• Disseminate effective and innovative early childhood mental health practices and services, ultimately leading to better outcomes for young children and their families
• Build the capacities of adult caregivers of young children to promote healthy social and emotional development
• Prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders; and to identify and address behavioral concerns before they develop into serious emotional disturbances (SED)

Project LAUNCH Strategies

• Integrate behavioral health into primary care
• Screen and assess youth and caregivers
• Strengthen family activities
• Provide mental health consultation in early care and education settings
• Enhance home visiting through increased focus on social and emotional wellbeing
• Establish participatory approaches with families and community partners through advisory councils

Successes of LAUNCH 2019-2022

• Trained  26,350 members of the mental health workforce
• 62,076 young children and caregivers screened for mental health or related interventions
• 22,041 young children and caregivers referred for mental health and related services
• 38,335 young children and caregivers provided evidence-based mental health and related services
• 1,460 new partnerships were established with other child-serving and related agencies and organizations

Current and Prior Grantees

• List of current LAUNCH grantees
• Prior LAUNCH grantee cohorts

Point of Contact

Caitlin Fitzsimmons, MSSW, Public Health Advisor, caitlin.fitzsimmons@samhsa.hhs.gov
Nancy Kelly, M.S. Ed., Mental Health Promotion Branch Chief, nancy.kelly@samhsa.hhs.gov