Two Tampa Bay nonprofits to receive mental health funding grants

Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of the state's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, is providing $2.4 million in grant funding to seven nonprofits across the state for mental well-being services and support. Two of the organizations are located in Tampa and St. Pete, respectively. 

Gentlemen’s Quest of Tampa, a nonprofit geared toward the academic success of low income students, will be using its portion of the funds to hire a full-time success coach and expand the Life Class program and counseling services to its 77 enrolled students, according to a statement. 

The Florida State Alliance of YMCAs Foundation in St. Petersburg will use its funds to focus on mental health among Spanish-speaking children through a curriculum titled "The Heroic Journey." The nonprofit, in partnership with Pop Culture Hero Coalition, will translate and implement the program for 1,600 children in 20 YMCAs across Florida and Puerto Rico.

"At Florida Blue, we believe there is no health without mental health, and we're supporting solutions that help individuals and families thrive," says Pat Geraghty, President and CEO of Florida Blue, in the statement. "These grants will help address critical gaps in mental health services, particularly for youth and communities that are under-resourced. We're proud to partner with these outstanding organizations to make a meaningful difference."

Other organizations around the state receiving funding include Special Hearts Farm in Winter Garden, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida in Daytona Beach, North Central Florida Health Planning Council in Gainesville, Lakeview Center Inc. in Pensacola and Children's Bereavement Center in Miami.

The Florida Blue Foundation has disbursed 58 grants totaling $18.9 million over the last five years.