$200K in grants available to groups across Arkansas to improve behavioral health

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — To address the behavioral health needs of Arkansans, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas will fund $1 million, according to a press release.

According to a study by Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 32% of Arkansans last year reported symptoms of depression or anxiety. Arkansas’ suicide rate over the past 13 years also reached levels nearly 50% higher than the national average.

The Blue & You Foundation will be awarding grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 to organizations seeking to fund behavioral health programs. The grant cycle opens on July 1.

“Three years ago, the Blue & You Foundation made a commitment to improving the mental well-being of Arkansas communities, including access to quality, affordable care,” Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo said.

“Since then, we have awarded over $14 million to groups around the state that are changing lives today.”

Former grant recipients include the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County. Last year, the Club was awarded $150,000 to launch Project Mindful Matters, establishing professional counseling services for under-served youth.

The grant was awarded after a 2022, post-pandemic survey from the Arkansas Department of Human Services found nearly 14% of Benton County 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders felt their family relationships were suffering.

Additionally, the survey revealed that 21% felt hopeless most of the time, 23% felt worthless, and 12% said they were not receiving adequate counseling in school.

To be considered for grant funding, applicants must submit a letter of intent to blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org between July 1st and 12th.

Programs should focus on providing at least one of the following:

• Access to quality mental healthcare
• Awareness, education, and outreach
• Crisis care
• Early intervention
• Mental health innovation
• Assistance with substance use disorder
• Preventative behavioral healthcare