Investing in the Behavioral Health of Arkansans
On October 5, 2023, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas announced grants totaling $5.9 million, aimed at addressing mental health challenges, suicide and substance use among Arkansas children, teens and young adults. “Young Arkansans are historically underserved when it comes to resources and treatment surrounding substance use and behavioral health challenges,” said Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Executive Director Rebecca Pittillo. “The Blue & You Foundation hopes by investing in these programs, which have shown proven results, that 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.” The grants target three of the biggest areas of concern as identified by federal and state data — trauma, substance use and suicide.- 9% of Arkansas children have witnessed domestic violence
- 16% have an incarcerated parent
- 1 in 7 experience neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse in a given year
- 13% live with a parent with a substance use problem
- 7% of sixth graders have used substances in the last 30 days.
- 24 young adults in Arkansas, along with 25 children and teens died by suicide in 2020