New mental health grant to expand access for youth services in Indiana

Local organizations recently announced a new grant fund that will allow mental health organizations statewide to expand access to trauma-informed mental health care for youth.  

Over the past few years, a shortage of mental health providers has crippled Indiana’s ability to to meet the demands of people seeking support, especially youth. 

In 2022, over a third of Indiana youth felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks and stopped doing usual activities. And nearly 28% of Indiana children overall and nearly 45% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide. Nationally, suicide rates among Black kids ages 10-17 rose 144% from 2007 to 2020. 

“We recognize the demand for youth mental health services is a critical need for the communities in which our members live and work,” wrote Managed Health Services’ Interim President and CEO, Christina Hage in a press release. “By addressing this need by funding professional support, technical and programming resources, and public awareness we continue our mission of transforming the health of the community we serve, one person at a time.”

The new funding program, The Youth Mental Health Empowerment Program, is a partnership between MHS Serves, Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Black Onyx Management. The collaboration aims to support the expansion of already existing mental health services and increase public awareness of services in historically underrepresented areas.  

Organizations can receive up to $80,000 and use the funds for professional development training, technical assistance and consulting services.

Grant applications will be open through Feb. 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Questions about the application process can be directed to strategicpartnerships@mhsserves.org. There will also be information sessions about the funding program on Wednesday, January 29 and Friday, February 7 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Contact WFYI’s health reporter Elizabeth Gabriel at egabriel@wfyi.org