New Mental Health Initiative Launched in Jacksonville to Tackle High Rates of Mental Health Issues

In a bid to tackle the city’s high rate of mental health issues, Jacksonville has launched a new initiative called “Mental Health Matters Jax.” Mayor Donna Deegan announced this initiative during Mental Health Awareness Month, citing that Jacksonville’s mental health hospitalization rate is 13% higher than the state average.

To address the issue, Deegan has announced three new programs as part of the initiative. The first program is a Mental Health First Aid education program aimed at helping people identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will manage this program to equip community members with the skills needed to provide initial help and support to those in crisis.

The second program announced focuses on providing additional support for individuals in crisis. Deegan has allocated funding for two more crisis managers at the United Way of Florida’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center in response to a 75% increase in calls since 2022. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals in crisis have access to timely and effective support.

The third program announced focuses on providing aid for children and teens facing mental health issues. The city is allocating $430,000 to Angel Kids Pediatrics to provide mental and behavioral health services in underserved parts of Jacksonville, as well as in Amelia Island and St. Johns County. This program aims to ensure that children and teens have access to the care they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.

For more information on “Mental Health Matters Jax,” individuals can visit jacksonville.gov/mentalhealthmattersjax and learn about the resources and programs available to support mental health in the community.