Providence St. Joseph Health and Well Being Trust announced a joint grant of $10 million for mental health initiatives that assist anyone from preschool to seniors, homeless to those struggling with addiction, according to an official press release.

“As health care leaders, we must focus on the nation’s growing mental health crisis affecting our communities,” said Richard Afable, MD, CEO of St. Joseph Hoag Health, part of the Providence St. Joseph Health network. “This is the type of commitment we should all be making, and we are excited to work together to address one of the great challenges of our time.”

Related: Providence Holy Cross Health Hour – July 19, 2017

Providence St. Joseph Health has committed $30 million in total to mental health and wellness across the state, with the initial $10 million signifying the first round of grants fulfilling the promise.

“Mental health needs in our communities must be addressed and the stigma of this illness removed – it’s not an issue that any one entity can tackle on its own,” said Erik G. Wexler, chief executive, Providence St. Joseph Health, Los Angeles Region. “Through these grants and by working with our many partners, we look forward to improving comprehensive mental health care for Southern California.”

PSJH’s partner in administering the grants is Well Being Trust, which was formed when the health system made a $100 million commitment to mental health across the entire service area.

“Nearly one in six Californians live with mental health challenges, and we know that roughly half of adults and two-thirds of children are not receiving the care they need. That burdens families across the community and the state,” said Tyler Norris, MDiv, chief executive, Well Being Trust. “Significant gaps remain and, through these early grants, we are working with our partners to bridge these gaps to provide for California’s most vulnerable populations facing mental health, substance use and related challenges.”

Working alongside Well Being Trust and community partners, Providence St. Joseph Health identified what they believe to be the most significant areas in need, and the first round of grant money has been promised to existing Saint Joseph Health Programs that are already working in communities throughout the state.

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