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Youth the focus: WEHF funds mental health programs

Members of Cancer Care of Marquette County recieve a check from the West End Health Foundation as part of the organization’s Proactive Grant program. The WEHF awarded money to three organizations for youth mental health programming. From left: Kori Tossava, West End Health Foundation, Dave Poirier, Cancer Care of Marquette County, Karl Lehmann, West End Health Foundation. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — The West End Health Foundation is doing its part in promoting youth mental health after awarding $30,000 in funding for local organizations through the 2022 Proactive Grant program.

The Proactive Grant program focuses on services, programs and organizations which address youth wellness and mental health. Three applications received funding from WEHF after being reviewed by the organization based on a review of the applicants, the programs they run and the quality of their proposals.

The first of the three to receive funding was the Ishpeming School District, which was awarded $15,250 to provide a program that focuses on mental health and suicide awareness that will feature Kevin Hines, a suicide survivor who dedicates his life to education about mental health and suicide prevention.

After attempting suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000, Hines has shared his story in various formats, including a documentary, a memoir and through in-person speeches.

The funding will be used to host Hines during programs at local schools districts that include Ishpeming, Negaunee, Westwood and Republic-Michigamme.

The second group to receive funding is the Great Lakes Recovery Centers, which received $9,190 to supplement and enhance access to mental health services by increasing provider hours at the Negaunee Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Specialty Clinic.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management and family therapy will be some of the services made possible by funding to be provided to clients GLRC facilities.

Receiving $5,560 was the Ishpeming Cancer Society, also known as the Cancer Care of Marquette County. The funding will go to help with the mental health needs of youth cancer patients.

The organization has been in operation since 1979 and assists Marquette County residents who have received a cancer diagnosis. The group also provides financial assistance for treatment, travel, medication and other supplies for cancer patients, as well as serving as a support networks for cancer patients and their families.

“We understand that improving mental health services for youth in our community is important,” said Amy Clickner, chair of the Foundation’s Philanthropy Committee. “We received 10 proposals requesting over $80,000 and after careful review, our board felt the programs offered by these three organizations will make the most positive impact on local youth. The West End is fortunate to have dedicated professionals in place to help youth deal with the difficulties they face today.”

In addition to the previously mentioned funding, the WEHF also presented a check for $15,200 to the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network for its work on the 2022 Teal Lake Swim.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.

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