08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 07:03
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - August 26, 2024
Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of the state's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, is pleased to announce $2.4 million in funding to seven nonprofit organizations across the state to help increase access to mental well-being services and support.
The grants will assist nonprofits with programs aimed at:
The big picture: The alarming rise in mental health disorders in recent years underscores the need to expand access to mental health resources and support, which can have a transformative impact on overall health and well-being.
"At Florida Blue, we believe there is no health without mental health, and we're supporting solutions that help individuals and families thrive," said Pat Geraghty, President and CEO of Florida Blue. "These grants will help address critical gaps in mental health services, particularly for youth and communities that are under resourced. We're proud to partner with these outstanding organizations to make a meaningful difference."
Geraghty made the announcement in Central Florida at Special Hearts Farm, one of the seven nonprofits receiving a grant from the Florida Blue Foundation.
"We're thrilled to support these seven organizations that are dedicated to improving mental well-being in Florida," said Susan Towler, Executive Director of the Florida Blue Foundation. "By providing funding for proven programs and approaches, we ensure more individuals and families have the tools they need to prioritize their mental health."
The nonprofit organizations selected for 2024 grants serve primarily underserved, underinsured, and low-income individuals from rural communities.
The seven organizations receiving grants include:
By the numbers: The $2.4 million investment is part of an ongoing commitment by the Florida Blue Foundation to address mental well-being across the state.
Over the past five years, Florida Blue Foundation has awarded 58 grants totaling $18.9 million to nonprofit organizations addressing mental health needs in Florida.
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About Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in our communities. More than 8 million Floridians have received services as a result of our community investments since our founding in 2001. Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improve health equity by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com.