JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ― Mayo Clinic in Florida is committed to supporting the health of the community by investing in programs and initiatives designed to improve the well-being of local and regional residents. The organization's community relations activities demonstrate ongoing efforts to transform healthcare and positively impact the circumstances that influence quality of life, including lifestyle, education, socio-economic and environmental factors.

This year, Mayo Clinic has awarded a combined total of $322,863.47 in grants to 28 organizations and programs that will address the key community health needs identified in the  Northeast Florida Community Health Needs Assessment.

Community grants were awarded based on these priorities:

• Access to care (transportation, health, etc.)
• Chronic disease
• Mental health
• Cancer

"We are thrilled to be able to champion innovative, impactful and sustainable programs in the community to address the most significant health needs in Northeast Florida," says Ashley Pratt, Community Relations, Mayo Clinic in Florida. "These awards represent Mayo Clinic's continued commitment to invest in our communities to collaboratively work with organizations to improve well-being, health disparities and address social determinants of health in Jacksonville beyond our hospital walls."

The grants are awarded by Mayo Clinic's Community Relations Committee — a diverse committee of individuals representing different backgrounds, roles and departments that represent Mayo Clinic's three shields: Patient Care, Education and Research. The Community Relations Committee reviews organizations that promote programs and initiatives that align with the mission objectives of Mayo Clinic in Florida and areas prioritized by the Northeast Florida Community Health Needs Assessment, such as access, chronic diseases and mental health.

The Cathedral Arts Project was awarded a grant for its youth art counseling program.

"To help address the pressing mental health concerns facing our community's youth, Mayo Clinic's generous support will help the Cathedral Arts Project provide art counseling for middle and high school students," says Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt, president and CEO, Cathedral Arts Project. "Young people often feel more comfortable exploring uncomfortable thoughts and feelings through the arts than through traditional therapy. When kids aren't sure of what they are feeling, the arts provide a vehicle for them to explore, process and express a whole range of emotions. Our programs will include youth with disabilities as well as neurotypical children at risk of mental health challenges. It's more important than ever that our community's kids be equipped to utilize the arts as a means of self-expression, resilience and perseverance as they cope with anxiety, depression and related issues."

Jacksonville University (JU) received funding for its Improving Access to Mental Health Practitioners through Healthcare Scholarshipsprogram.

"We are honored to partner with Mayo Clinic's grant program to improve access to mental health practitioners through healthcare scholarships," says Natalie Indelicato, Ph.D., associate professor and chair, JU Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). "The scholarships will be life-changing for students who otherwise would not be able to achieve their graduate degrees. These students will be able to engage in crucial work to address the mental health needs of individuals, couples and families in Northeast Florida. By supporting JU CMHC students, Mayo Clinic generates waves of impact through the improved mental health outcomes of the clients served in the students' 800-hour clinical internship. JU graduates caring, culturally responsive mental health counselors who are attentive to the urgent mental health needs of the community. As they graduate, they are working in our community and making a difference in the mental wellness of others."  

Family Foundations of Northeast Florida will use the grant funding to expand their adult mental health services.

"Family Foundations is excited about entering into this new grant funding in support of expanded adult mental health services," says Bill Haley, president and CEO, Family Foundations. "These critical services are an important component of a comprehensive healthcare plan and represent an underserved need in our Jacksonville community."

In addition to funding programs at the Cathedral Arts Project, Jacksonville University and Family Foundations of Northeast Florida, grants were awarded to these organizations:

• American National Red Cross
• Bring Your Brokenness Inc.
• Gabriel House of Care
• Good Samaritan Health Centers
• Hart Felt Ministries Inc.
• Hearts 4 Minds Inc.
• Hope Street Inc.
• I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless Inc.
• Interchurch Coalition for Action Reconciliation and Empowerment
• Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network Inc.
• Jax Hope Inc.
• Jacksonville Public Education Fund Inc.
• Kim's Open Door Inc.
• MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville Inc.
• Operation New Hope
• Pine Castle Inc.
• Rethreaded Inc.
• The Arc Jacksonville
• The Donna Foundation
• United Way of Northeast Florida Inc.
• Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville Inc.
• We Care Jacksonville Inc.
• Westminster Woods Residents Association
• 2nd Mile Ministries

Community organizations are invited to apply for funding through Mayo Clinic's Community Contributions Grant program twice a year.

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Kevin Punsky, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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