Grants up to $200,000 available to groups across Arkansas to improve behavioral health
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — To address behavioral health needs of Arkansans, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas will provide $1 million towards grants, according to a press release.
According to a study by Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 32% of Arkansans last year reported symptoms of depression or anxiety. Arkansas' suicide rate over the past 13 years also reached levels nearly 50% higher than national average.
The Blue & You Foundation will be awarding grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 to organizations seeking to fund behavioral health programs. The grant cycle opens July 1.
“Three years ago, the Blue & You Foundation made a commitment to improving the mental well-being of Arkansas communities, including access to quality, affordable care," Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo said. “Since then, we have awarded over $14 million to groups around the state that are changing lives today.”
Former grant recipients include the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County. Last year, the Club was awarded $150,000 to launch Project Mindful Matters, establishing professional counseling services for under-served youth.
The grant was awarded after a 2022, post-pandemic survey from the Arkansas Department of Human Services found nearly 14% of Benton County 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders felt their family relationships were suffering.
Additionally, the survey revealed 21% felt hopeless most of the time, 23% felt worthless, and 12% said they were not receiving adequate counseling in school.
To be considered for grant funding, applicants must submit a letter of intent to BlueandYouFoundationArkansas.org between July 1-12.
Programs should focus on providing at least one of the following:
- Access to quality mental healthcare
- Awareness, education and outreach
- Crisis care
- Early intervention
- Mental health innovation
- Assistance with substance use disorder
- Suicide prevention
- Preventative behavioral healthcare
For more information on Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, visit BlueandYouFoundationArkansas.org.
from KARK https://ift.tt/3WeXDRz
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