Fidelis Care and Centene Foundation Empower Youth Mental Health

Fidelis Care and Centene Foundation Invest in Youth Mental Health

In a groundbreaking effort to support the mental well-being of young people, Fidelis Care, a prominent health insurer, and the Centene Foundation, have committed $1.1 million to The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit organization dedicated to emotional health and suicide prevention for teens and young adults. This significant investment aims to expand resources for emotional well-being, offering educational workshops and specialized training to community organizations throughout the state.

Enhancing Resources for Emotional Well-Being

The funding will assist JED in broadening its services to at least five community-based organizations (CBOs). Through this initiative, these organizations will receive expert guidance, workshops, and training programs aimed at equipping young people with essential life skills and connecting them to mental health care during challenging times. This approach reflects a commitment to fostering communities that prioritize mental health and support.

Insights from Fidelis Care Leadership

Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer at Fidelis Care, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting the critical importance of mental health services in supporting healthier communities. "We are thrilled to support the vital work of The Jed Foundation with this grant. This investment underscores our commitment to ensuring youth and adolescents have access to the critical support they need to thrive," Marchello stated.

The Urgent Need for Mental Health Support

Research indicates a pressing need for enhanced mental health support among young people. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated one in five adolescents between 12 and 17 experiences significant depressive episodes annually. Alarmingly, nearly half of teenagers in that age group report that they would only consider seeking professional help as a last resort.

This concern is further magnified in areas like New York, where statistics show that over 57% of young people with depression have not received any mental health care in the past year. Such data underscores the importance of providing proactive mental health resources and support through initiatives like the one launched by Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation.

JED's Commitment to Strengthening Mental Health Resources

John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation, conveyed gratitude towards Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation for their commitment. "This partnership will allow us to bring JED's lifesaving work to community-based organizations across the state and help them build on their mental health safety nets and approaches, while positively impacting the lives of thousands of young people," he remarked. JED aims to leverage these funds to offer essential resources designed to create a supportive environment for youth.

Community-Based Organizations Benefitting from the Grant

The first group of CBOs to benefit from this grant includes organizations like Bottom Line, which aids degree-aspiring students from low-income backgrounds, Hetrick-Martin Institute, known for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in New York City, and Prep for Prep, dedicated to developing young leaders of color.

These organizations will work closely with JED to ensure that mental health policies, processes, and resources are effective in meeting the needs of their students. In addition, workshops organized by JED have begun to aid participants in identifying and responding to mental health challenges effectively.

Impact on Students’ Lives

Representative from Bottom Line, Sheneita R. Graham, emphasized the importance of mental health in the academic journeys of students. She noted, “Our role is to build strong relationships that assist us in determining need and connecting students to resources that will help them thrive personally to persist academically.” Similarly, leaders from Hetrick-Martin Institute and Prep for Prep shared positive feedback regarding the JED workshops and their relevance to the students.

Engaging Young People for a Brighter Future

To address the urgent needs of youth in mental distress, these collaborations represent an essential step toward creating accessible mental health resources. As the partnership unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that young people have the support they need to succeed academically and personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the $1.1 million grant?

The grant aims to enhance mental health resources, educational workshops, and training programs for community organizations focused on youth well-being.

Who are the main partners involved in this initiative?

Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation have partnered with The Jed Foundation to support youth mental health initiatives.

How will this funding impact community organizations?

The funding will enable organizations to provide better mental health support, training, and guidance to young people in need.

What statistics highlight the need for mental health support among youth?

Research indicates that nearly one in five adolescents experience significant depressive episodes, with many not seeking help.

How can individuals learn more about supporting youth mental health?

For more information on resources and support for community-based organizations, individuals can visit The Jed Foundation's website.

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