This past October, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas announced grants totaling $5.9 million to address behavioral health challenges among Arkansas children, teens and young adults.
The grants target three of the biggest areas of concern identified by federal and state data — trauma, substance use and suicide.
“Young Arkansans are historically underserved when it comes to resources and treatment surrounding substance use and behavioral health challenges,” said Blue & You Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo. “We hope that by investing in these programs, which have shown proven results, we can begin to build life-long health, resiliency and well-being for our children and their families — tools they can carry with them throughout their lives.”
Grant recipients
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS):
$1,610,477 over four years to fund its Pathways to Wellness program, creating a virtual AR ConnectNow welcome center for youth and families with mental health resources and expanding the Trauma Resource Initiative in Arkansas Schools. Read more on page 4.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences:
$714,809 over two years for the Adolescent and Young Adult Addiction Treatment Program. The program will provide treatment options and prevention programs for young Arkansans with a focus on engaging parents in the recovery process.
The Wolfe Street Foundation:
$850,927 over three years for the purpose of expanding substance use treatment resources to youth in 7th through 12th grades in Pulaski County by providing after-school programs, summertime programming and community initiatives, working with area schools, courts and behavioral healthcare providers.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Arkansas Chapter:
$900,000 over three years to expand its suicide prevention programs statewide through public schools, colleges, universities and community groups.
Immerse Arkansas:
$1,418,252 over three years to provide mental health resources to young people in Faulkner, Lonoke, Pulaski, and Saline counties who are either in foster care or aging out, adopted, homeless or runaway and victims of trafficking. Immerse will also use these funds to create a mentorship program for new mental health therapists.
The Blue & You Foundation is a charitable foundation established and funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health in the Natural State. Click here to read more about grants given by the Blue & You Foundation.