The following article appeared in Herald-Tribune on September 25, 2024:
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for its new Community Youth Response System. The grant will allow JFCS to expand its counseling to youth experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Community Youth Response System will be available for youth, ages 9-17, and their families to support and stabilize clients who lack immediate access to mental health services. CYRS responses may include early suicide ideation, aggression, maladaptive coping and self-harm (such as cutting and burning), excessive crying, repetitive flight risks, binge eating, and substance abuse. Services will be provided regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
“Youth in emotional distress can’t afford to wait for help, and JFCS will be there when they need us,” said Helene Lotman, president of JFCS of the Suncoast. “Our new CYRS program will allow
us to serve those who are on the brink of a severe episode, before the situation becomes dire and requires a mobile crisis team or emergency room.”
The local behavioral health system lacks the capacity to provide timely access to all those who need services, according to data. National data shows Sarasota County has far fewer mental health providers than top-performing counties nationally, with one provider for every 570 residents compared to 1 to 270 nationally. Provider availability may require a 90-day wait before an appointment is available for a new patient, and many expect cash payment, creating a barrier for lower income families.
“At the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we know the profound importance of mental health services as we envision thriving communities with opportunities for all,” Gulf Coast president Phillip Lanham said. “We are honored to provide this grant to JFCS for young individuals to access critical help regardless of their family’s ability to pay. This truly represents our commitment to the future of our region.”
