Agape Community Health, which provides health care for underserved Jacksonville residents, received a $400,000 Florida Blue Foundation grant to build mental health services.
Agape is one of eight programs across the state to receive part of a $2.75 million initiative to “address critical mental health needs and help grow the pipeline of mental health professionals,” according to the foundation, the philanthropic arm of Florida Blue.
The Jacksonville nonprofit‘s grant will fund up to 500 internships and fellowships to students and early career professionals to help ease the mental health workforce shortage, “ultimately increasing access … for underserved populations,” the foundation said.
In 2021, JEA partnered with Agape Community Health to offer the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to community members as well as all JEA employees, contractors and family members. Agape recently received a $400,000 mental health services grant.
“We aim to create a ripple effect of hope and healing that will be felt for generations to come,” foundation Executive Director Susan Towler said.
In the last six years, the foundation has awarded 69 grants, totaling $22 million, to mental health organizations.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida Blue Foundation grant to help build mental health workforce