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The Mental Health Collaborative, a newly formed group of mental health service providers in New Orleans, is working alongside the United Way to address critical gaps in local mental health services. According to the Nola newsite, the collaborative was born out of a deeply personal moment when New Orleans City Council member Joe Giarrusso marked the 10th anniversary of his father’s suicide. Seeking to turn his grief into action, Giarrusso used his platform to initiate discussions about mental health, which ultimately led to the formation of this collaborative.
The collaborative is a group of professionals from various local agencies who meet regularly to strategize and create a unified plan to improve access to mental health care for residents. United Way of Southeast Louisiana, led by CEO Michael Williamson, coordinates the group’s efforts and is responsible for securing grant funding based on the collaborative's priorities. Unlike traditional grant processes, where funding is determined without input from the organizations that will be applying for it, the United Way is taking a more collaborative and inclusive approach.
This shift in strategy has already begun to show results. In just two months after the initial meeting at City Hall, the collaborative helped secure a $1.9 million federal grant for youth and family services. This funding is part of the RESOLVE NOLA Impact Grants, which aim to support programs that work toward creating a trauma-informed, community-led behavioral health system. The grants are being distributed to local organizations with programs designed to address behavioral and social health disparities, with a focus on youth and families affected by trauma.
The RESOLVE NOLA Impact Grants prioritize initiatives that promote trauma-informed care, support high-risk youth and families, and provide peer support for young people affected by violence. This funding has already begun to be distributed to 16 organizations, with grants of up to $25,000 supporting projects focused on improving behavioral health services, increasing training for those working with youth, and expanding support for marginalized communities.
As the collaborative continues its work, it remains focused on ensuring that New Orleans residents have the mental health care they need. By bringing together key stakeholders and leveraging the power of organizations like the United Way, the collaborative aims to build a more equitable and effective system for addressing the mental health crisis in the region. The success of the RESOLVE NOLA Impact Grants is just the beginning, with more efforts planned to expand trauma-informed care and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations in the coming years.
If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our staff are experts in addiction and will help you recover in a secure, non-judgmental environment. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.