Sharing this important message from Linda Rosenberg, President & CEO, National Council for Behavioral Health.

Fifteen million children and teens in the U.S. are currently experiencing a mental health issue. Suicide and substance use rates among young people have been steadily rising in the past decade, and certain groups, such as LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of feeling isolated and distressed.

You can change this, you can help youth get the support they need.

If your organization has the passion and experience to help other organizations implement innovative mental health supports for diverse youth populations in healthcare settings and beyond – we need you – join our two-year learning opportunity as a mentor.

Strengthen communities and amplify the youth voice across the country.

This initiative aims to:

• Connect young people to new types of mental health supports in five communities with guidance and support from mentors (that’s you!), coaches and experts.
• Connect 20 youth to each other and their communities as leaders and advisors to elevate their experience and voice as well as support implementation of engagement strategies put into effect by pilot sites.
• Connect communities with these new approaches to increase awareness and availability.

Mentors will receive up to $50,000 in funding to support these efforts.

Are you motivated to improve mental health outcomes for young people from diverse and underserved communities? Apply today! You do not need to be a mental health agency or National Council member to participate.

Applications are due by Friday, November 9, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Visit our webpage for more information and plan to participate in virtual office hours on Thursday, October 25th and November 1st, 2 to 3 p.m. ET.