Florida Blue Foundation grant funds to support mental well-being program for children in need
June 30, 2021 – Healthcare Network has been awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant from the Florida Blue Foundation. The funds will support mental well-being in children and adolescents through Healthcare Network’s integrated behavioral health model. The grant is part of the Florida Blue Foundation’s mental well-being program and aims to advance mental health for children and families with a holistic approach, taking into consideration the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of each patient. The grant will span over the next four years from 2021 to 2025.
Since 2013, Healthcare Network has provided integrated behavioral health, a collaborative form of care where medical and behavioral health providers work together, as a team, to promote total wellness. This integrated care model blends primary care and mental health into one setting, allowing patients to experience a true team-based approach to healthcare. The model is highly effective because patients often seek medical care for physical symptoms that are related to or caused by behavioral issues.
“Timely prevention and early intervention are paramount to long-term wellness and quality of life. Unfortunately, for at-risk and underserved children, mental healthcare isn’t often readily accessible,” said Dr. Courtney Whitt, behavioral health director for Healthcare Network. “With this extraordinary grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, we will be able to expand our work to support children and adolescents’ mental health through increased screenings and interventions – during the same time and same place children and teens routinely receive care for other essential aspects of their health.”
“Emotional and mental well-being in children is just as important as their physical health,” said Susan Towler, vice president of the Florida Blue Foundation. “Healthcare Network provides youth and their families holistic support that can enhance their health and well-being into adulthood. Their work across Collier County aligns with our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health.”
Healthcare Network is a medical and dental home where children and adults can receive patient-centered, team-based and continuous comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of income, insurance or employment status. Visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more or call 239-658-3000 to schedule an appointment.
About Healthcare Network
Healthcare Network is committed to ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income or insurance status. Founded in 1977 to serve migrant farmworkers and their families in Immokalee, Healthcare Network now provides care to approximately 50,000 patients annually in practices throughout Collier County including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® and the Health and Smiles Mobile units. Healthcare Network provides primary healthcare services including family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. The organization’s newest location, the Nichols Community Health Center, is a 51,000-square-foot primary care medical center in Golden Gate. For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
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 6.5 million Floridians have received services as a result of our community investments since our founding in 2001. The Florida Blue Foundation’s programs are focused on advancing mental well-being, improving health equity, impacting food security, and addressing systemic racism and resulting health disparities. It is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com.
