Bethesda Inc. Awards Grant to GCBHS

bi3 Awards $1.2 Million to Integrate Community-based Mental Health and Primary Care

Goal to improve health outcomes by building on existing relationships between patients and providers

CINCINNATI, OH (August 23, 2019) —bi3, Bethesda Inc.’s grantmaking initiative to transform health, announced today it is awarding a two-year, $216,144 grant to Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. The grant will increase access to services that improve the life expectancy of people with behavioral health disorders and build mental resiliency by adding resources where people already go for care.

“Historically, mental and behavioral healthcare have been separated from physical health, creating barriers, especially for our most vulnerable populations,” said Jill Miller, President of Bethesda Inc. “However, the body and mind are inextricably linked. That’s why bi3 is investing in new approaches to integrate mental and physical health services and increase access to behavioral health services in community-based organizations. The result is a healthier community for all of us.”

Grant to Integrate Behavioral Health Services into Community-Based Organizations

The grant is in partnership with YWCA and Brighton Center, to develop a sustainable model of integrating behavioral health services where patient relationships are already in place.

Through this project, an on-site therapist will provide individual, family and group therapy at community locations. Therapists will also train and educate community service staff to look for and work to prevent adverse effects of emotional trauma.

“We will be able to provide mental health services without people having to overcome the barrier of going somewhere else for help or navigating the stigma of seeking behavioral health services,” said Anne Combs, Vice President of Child and Family Services at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. “The bi3 grant enables us to more quickly connect people to needed resources, and train the staff of community-based organizations to understand the impact of trauma.”

The program seeks to increase patients’ resiliency by providing earlier access to behavioral health services and breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Ultimately, it helps patients lead healthier, more productive lives.

To learn more about bi3, its mission, and its grantmaking principles built on ideas, investments and innovation, visit bi3.org.

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About bi3

bi3 is Bethesda Inc.’s forward-looking grantmaking initiative to transform health in Greater Cincinnati. bi3 takes informed risks and invests in new ideas and approaches with the potential to spark and scale health innovation. Ultimately, bi3 seeks to fund and support collaborations and partnerships that lead to breakthrough change in health and healthcare for all people in Greater Cincinnati.

Contact:

Allison Ryan

On behalf of bi3

Allison@Rickmillercommunications.com

513.312.0185