Mental Health Association and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Collaboration

Between increased stressors and limited access to social support and guidance, it is no surprise that youths are experiencing increased rates of depression and anxiety. Last year, only one-third of Florida children experiencing a major depressive episode received treatment. Post COVID-19, the number of children's mental health-related ED visits rose 24% among 5- to 11-year-olds and surged to 31% among 12- to 17-year-olds. Overall, 51% of depression screeners in the 11-to-17 age range reported frequent suicidal ideation on more than half or nearly every day of the previous two weeks. That number rose to 52% for young people of color and 63% for youth who identified as LGBTQ+.

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF) in collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs Central Florida (BGCCF) will create and deliver an impactful, trauma-informed mental health counseling program at the Bradley-Otis Family Branch in downtown Orlando.

Direct one-on-one counseling will be provided to Club members, ages 6–18, with the goal of fostering healing, promoting resilience and collaborating with youth and their families to empower their choices toward emotional recovery and well-being.

The impact grant will also strive to help reduce stigma around mental health with local youth and support the Ginsburg Institute's commitment to ensure that every child across Central Florida has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.