Minnetonka, Minn.-based United Health Foundation committed $3 million in partnership with Active Minds to promote mental health awareness and education for young adults.
The funding will be delivered over three years. According to an Oct. 12 news release, it will enable Active Minds to launch a pilot program in 50 school districts across Minnesota, North Carolina, and Florida to better serve youth mental health at the middle school level for the first time.
According to United Health Foundation's most recent data, anxiety affected roughly 5.6 million children ages 3-17, and depression affected roughly 2.5 million children ages 3-17.
"Many mental health disorders can start by age 14, so it's critical that we provide promotion, prevention, and early intervention strategies to equip younger adolescents with the necessary tools and coping skills to proactively manage and care for their mental health. Just like many other illnesses, mental health promotion strategies can be powerful tools for helping young people thrive," said Alison Malmon, executive director and founder of Active Minds.