The United Way of Northeast Florida has launched a campaign to support mental health resources, with a fundraising goal of $250,000 by May 31.
Prompted by the growing demand for crisis response and mental health services, the new fund will “help ensure every individual across Northeast Florida receives critical mental health support when they need it most,” the nonprofit said.
Gifts to the United for Mental Health Fund will help finance four United Way programs: Full Service Schools, the 988 Florida Lifeline, United Way 211 and Mission United.
Those services operate around the clock, 356 days a year, to “address mental health needs — and yet many people have no idea we provide them,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of the area United Way. “This fund will help raise dollars to sustain this critical work but also raise awareness of our services to ensure no one suffers because they didn’t know help is available.”
“Every person who calls us seeking help is searching for one thing: a reason to keep going,” said Rebecca Weaver, the agency’s vice president of crisis and community navigation. “These services pull people back from crisis, stabilize families and strengthen the broader community.”
NAMI Jacksonville is the Northeast Florida affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Suzanne Mailloux, NAMI Jacksonville CEO, said the United Way’s mental health programs are a critical resource that should be supported.
“We see every day what happens when people can’t access mental health care — and what’s possible when they can,” she said. “United Way connects people to that care quickly and compassionately. Mental health is the foundation of stable jobs, strong families and thriving neighborhoods.”
To donate, go to unitedwaynefl.org or contact Eres McKee, the agency’s vice president of philanthropy, at eresm@uwnefl.org.
“We know this community cares deeply about mental health,” McKee said. “The United for Mental Health Fund creates a clear, trusted and impactful opportunity to support mental health in Northeast Florida. Whether it’s an individual gift or a corporate investment — large or small — every dollar moves us closer to a community where help is always within reach.”
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: United Way launches fundraising for new mental health fund
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
