WFYI News reports a new statewide grant fund will support expanded trauma-informed mental health services and awareness efforts for young people in Indiana.
New funding partnership announced
According to WFYI News, local organizations have announced a new grant fund intended to help mental health organizations across Indiana expand access to trauma-informed mental health care for youth.
WFYI News reports that the funding program is called the Youth Mental Health Empowerment Program. The program is a partnership involving MHS Serves, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Black Onyx Management.
Focus on existing services and awareness
According to WFYI News, the collaboration aims to support the expansion of mental health services that already exist. The effort also aims to increase public awareness of available services.
WFYI News reports that Managed Health Services’ interim president and CEO said the program would fund professional support, technical and programming resources, and public awareness. The source describes youth mental health services as a critical need for the communities served by the organization’s members.
Youth needs and provider shortages
WFYI News reports that Indiana has faced a shortage of mental health providers in recent years, affecting its ability to meet demand from people seeking support, particularly youth.
According to WFYI News, more than one-third of Indiana youth in 2022 said they had felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks and had stopped doing usual activities. The source also reports that nearly 28% of Indiana children overall and nearly 45% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide.
WFYI News further reports that, nationally, suicide rates among Black children ages 10 through 17 rose 144% between 2007 and 2020.
What this means for Indiana patients
According to WFYI News, the newly announced grant fund is intended to expand youth-focused mental health support and awareness statewide, while Indiana continues to face provider shortages. For families seeking treatment locally, the directory lists 68 published clinics in Indiana and can help identify options by location.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Indiana reporting on youth & families.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.