Each year, Strong Tower Church donates to MHAfred’s annual campaign to help ensure the continuation of critical services to our community. Over the last two years, their generous support, along with the Fredericksburg City Chapter of the NAACP and Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, has helped at-risk teens attend therapy sessions through Mental Health America of Fredericksburg’s partnership with Youth Life Service (YLS). Most recently, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region has awarded MHAfred funding in support of after-school therapy sessions for at-risk youth. Keep reading to learn more about how these partnerships are impacting our community.
Would you consider donating to continue these services helping local teens?
In 2023, the staff at MHAfred were having conversations with parents seeking assistance in finding mental health providers. These parents were often reaching out after their child has expressed thoughts of suicide. Even with insurance coverage, some children faced waitlists of up to six months, as many providers were not accepting new clients. Other barriers included transportation to and from appointments, parents and guardians without leave from work, lack of insurance coverage and other costs. With statistics indicating an increase in suicide rates among local teens, MHAfred was ready to help. Our MHAfred HELPLINE program played a crucial role in helping numerous families secure their first mental health appointments.
MHAfred and Youth Life Services worked side by side in an innovative pilot program to offer after school counseling services in Fredericksburg City Schools. Parents and guardians of high-risk teens, determined by school counselors and teachers, were provided the opportunity to have their child begin therapy after school. MHAfred used dedicated grant dollars for individuals without insurance to ensure no child was turned away. During 2023, the partnership provided 230 therapy sessions. Each session averaged a $51.79 cost to donors, proving to be a cost-effective model for providing this service in partnership with local schools.
The Need Across Our Community
At Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, we serve the communities of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, King George, Stafford, and Caroline. The number of people reporting frequent suicidal ideation per 100,000 of county population was an average of 51.44 in 2023. This is higher than the state average of 31 among 100,000. Additionally, Virginia ranks 18th among all states for the highest number of youths reporting frequent suicide ideation. This is a strong indicator that more services are needed for the youth of Virginia.
In 2023, an average of 10% of youths asked to meet with a counselor for help after MHAfred presented the Suicide Prevention Education program at local schools and youth groups. Many approached a designated, trusted adult because they were concerned for a friend.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis, or need immediate assistance, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. To reach a volunteer crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.
If you are interested in helping or have questions, please contact us at 540-371-2704 or email MHAfred@MHAfred.org. Donations accepted online.