The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley finished 2023 well with $2 million in state financing. This notable grant will fund a downtown Watsonville youth mental health drop-in.
Mental Health: Mind Matters (Photo: Google)
Grant Funds Watsonville Drop-in Center $2M
State funding for a downtown Watsonville adolescent mental health drop-in was accepted by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health would provide $150 million to 69 NGOs from the California Department of Health Care Services. Improve mental health and wellness services for 12–25-year-olds.
Governor Newsom proposed initiatives for children’s mental health in the schools and community. Diverse workforces in every neighborhood improve California’s youth’s health.
Allcove-style Kid drop-in in Watsonville is financed by grants. Alcove centers at Stanford University’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Redondo Beach, and other locations offer counseling, career coaching, medical advice, education support, life skills classes, recreational activities, substance use information, and quiet spaces for study.
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Meet Basics
The Community Health Trust says the Watsonville adolescent drop-in facility meets a critical Pajaro Valley need. According to the Santa Cruz County California Healthy Kids Survey, 44% of students felt hopeless and miserable every day, and 14% seriously considered suicide, including one-third of LGBTQIA+ pupils.
Two-thirds of daily clinic consultations address child and adolescent mental health concerns, says local pediatrician and project partner Dr. Garry Crummer. Santa Cruz County Community Action Board, Watsonville Parks and Community Services, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, and United aWay are the new center’s partners.
The Community Health Trust’s executive director, DeAndre’ James, stressed the relevance of this youth well-being center project for adolescent mental health groups.
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