NORTHEAST BUSINESS GROUP ON HEALTH INC

MOTHER CABRINI ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH: TOTAL FUNDING: $125K; RECOGNIZED $125K IN 2024.FOR YEARS, NEW YORKERS HAVE FACED A GROWING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS, STRUGGLING TO FIND TIMELY, AFFORDABLE CARE - ESPECIALLY FOR THEIR CHILDREN. EVEN WHEN HELP IS AVAILABLE, THE COSTS ARE OFTEN PROHIBITIVE, WITH OUT-OF-NETWORK BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES REACHING $450-$800 PER HOUR, CREATING A TWO-TIERED SYSTEM THAT LEAVES LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME FAMILIES BEHIND. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS INTENSIFIED MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, PARTICULARLY FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS, WHOSE DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING WERE DISRUPTED BY ISOLATION AND STRESS. DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ARE INCREASINGLY COMMON AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, WITH LGBTQ+ YOUTH EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO CARE AND SUPPORT. ALARMING STATISTICS SHOW RISING RATES OF MENTAL ILLNESS, SUICIDE IDEATION, AND ATTEMPTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS, MAKING EARLY INTERVENTION AND FAMILY-INCLUSIVE SUPPORT CRITICAL. MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES IMPACT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS BUT ALSO ENTIRE HOUSEHOLDS, AFFECTING HOW EMPLOYEES SHOW UP AT WORK. TO ADDRESS THIS, NEBGH IS COMMITTED TO RAISING AWARENESS, REDUCING STIGMA, AND ENSURING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO QUALITY CARE THROUGH CAMPAIGNS, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, CONFERENCES, WEBINARS, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS, HEALTH SYSTEMS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS - ALL AIMED AT PREVENTING SUICIDE AND IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES ACROSS ALL POPULATIONS.