Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) received a $4M Children’s Mental Health System of Care (SOC) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide integrated physical and behavioral health services for children in Jacksonville. This grant will build on prior SAMHSA awards received by KHA to expand access to care for children and youth experiencing severe emotional disturbances and mental illness. This grant will be administered by the Partnership for Child Health (Partnership), a KHA collaborating partner who has implemented the SAMHSA SOC grants since Jacksonville received the first award in 2010.
“We know that one in five children have an undiagnosed mental health issue,” said Vicki Waytowich, EdD, Executive Director, Partnership for Child Health. “The continuation of the services under this grant will allow us to provide a broader reach with behavioral screening tools, techniques and training so that we can help even more kids live healthier lives.”
“Kids Hope Alliance is very proud to be the recipient of this award to enable the Partnership for Child Health to continue and expand the commitment we share in advancing the health and wellbeing for all children and youth,” said Donnie Horner III, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kids Hope Alliance. “Through our collaboration with the Partnership, we are excited to continue to expand services to more children in our city.”
The Partnership for Child Health is a Jacksonville based non-profit committed to the development of integrated systems of care that advance the health and well-being of children. The Partnership works through collaborative alliances to transform the medical, mental, behavioral and developmental health systems for children, youth and families—connecting them with the resources and services they need to reach their full potential. Please visit http://www.partnerhipsforchildhealth.org.