August 8, 2023 – The Humana Foundation announced a partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) to help small business mental health providers scale their operations and increase sustainable services to victims of trauma in the city. Grants between $50,000 and $100,000 will be awarded for projects that enable providers to significantly increase the number of people receiving mental health services. Priority will be given to applicants who commit to addressing categories of mental health that are in dire shortage – such as psychologists, psychiatrists and youth counselors – and applicants prioritizing care to diverse and underrepresented populations.
The post-pandemic need for mental health services in Greater Louisville and across the nation is staggering. It’s estimated that 23% of Americans are experiencing mental illness, over 12 million have had suicidal thoughts and one in five young adults experienced depression. In Kentucky, 44% of adults said they felt depressed or anxious, and nearly 23% were unable to access the treatment they needed 4. In Jefferson County, more than 170 people died by suicide in 20225. People in this community need support and increasing access to mental health treatment in Louisville needs to be a top priority.
Across the state, at least 215 more psychiatrists are needed to support our community. The shortage of providers is particularly acute in Louisville’s Jefferson County, which is home to less than 13% of the state’s mental health counselors and 25% of the state’s workforce.
The Humana Foundation is contributing $300,000 and matching up to $300,000 more in corporate and individual donations. The Humana Foundation and GLI are also bringing together local leaders who will serve on the advisory committee for this initiative.