The earlier a mental health problem can be identified and dealt with, the better. That is part of the reasoning behind increased funding to expand Mental Health First Aid, a longstanding program in Central New York, say Seetha Ramanathan, MD, (at left in photo) a psychiatrist with the state Office of Mental Health, and Stephen Glatt, PhD, an Upstate associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (at right). The program, used worldwide, trains lay people to recognize mental problems in young people and direct them to services, while fostering empathy and lessening the stigma of mental illness.