AdventHealth is distributing nearly $1 million to recipients of its 2023 Community Health Improvement Grants, giving four Central Florida nonprofits the opportunity to bolster their missions. These Community Health Improvement Grants aim to improve access to resources and enhance community wellness.

Mental health was selected as the priority for the 2024 funding cycle based on community health issues addressed in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment and 2023-2025 Community Health Plan.

The grants will support the projects of these local nonprofits that address Central Florida’s mental and behavioral health challenges.

“AdventHealth understands that it takes a collaborative approach to address our region’s pressing health challenges, which is why investing back into our community is a priority for us. There is a need for easily accessible mental health services in Central Florida, and these organizations are answering the call for help,” said Tricia Edris, chief innovation and partnerships officer for AdventHealth Central Florida Division. “They are working tirelessly for their communities, ensuring that those in need receive vital resources. We are proud to partner with these nonprofits as they continue to address the needs of our community with the support of the Community Health Improvement Grants.”

The grant recipients are:

• Hispanic Federation – Florida Regional Division, Por Nosotros: Facilitating Mental Health Care for Latinos: The Hispanic Federation aims to provide culturally competent mental wellness programming in both English and Spanish to Hispanic community members in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The grant will support their programming that includes intensive education to 300 individuals about mental health, available services and other aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. The Hispanic Federation will also provide culturally sensitive community education addressing the misconceptions and stigma of mental wellness and avenues to seek support.

• MAN UP Mentoring, Inc., The Man Up Grace Project – Immersive Mental Health Pilot Project: This pilot mindfulness program includes the use of virtual reality coupled with traditional therapy to reduce maladaptive behaviors in students while improving their stress and anxiety levels. Funding will support the creation and implementation of cutting-edge mental health software for students in need enrolled in Orange County Public Schools’ Title I Schools.

• Gifted Ones, Inc., GO! Mental Health Initiative: This initiative offers personal well-being and professional development resources to mental health professionals of all disciplines and roles who are looking to maintain a sustainable career that supports their wellness. With this grant, the initiative will provide tailored training and support services to 75 mental health professionals and mental health support staff as well as scholarships for up to 100 hours of qualified supervision to 40 pre-licensed mental health professionals to increase access and decrease barriers for mental health professionals seeking state licensure.

• Above & Beyond – Children & Community Services, Wraparound: The program creates positive changes in the lives of youths and families in the tri-county area by aiming to prevent the escalation of mental health needs that may lead to more intensive services. The grant will fund a care coordinator and family advocate, which will allow the organization to provide the wraparound process to 100 individuals with complex mental health needs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

“By improving access to mental health resources in Central Florida, more people will be able to get the information and help they need," said Laudi Campo, state director of the Hispanic Federation. "We are grateful for AdventHealth's support, because through this grant, we aim to break down barriers and eliminate the stigma that prevents people from seeking help, empowering them to prioritize and improve their mental health."

The next application cycle for the Community Health Improvement Grants will focus on workforce development, and is slated to open this spring.

AdventHealth conducts Community Health Needs Assessments every three years to help shape plans to address the most pressing health care needs in the communities it serves.

This article was provided by AdventHealth.