INDIANAPOLIS — A total of 15 organizations are receiving nearly $4 million in funding through the Vitality Grant Program for projects and programs focused on juvenile justice and mental health systems reform across Indianapolis. The grant program is supported through the City’s allocation of federal American Rescue Plan funding and is managed by Mental Health America of Indy. MHA of Indy identified organizations and programs that will fill the gaps in mental health services, and juvenile justice in the city.
Adult & Child Health will use the Vitality Grant funding to develop and run Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services in a Living Room Model approach that will be a resource for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The model includes multiple treatment team members, including peer recovery specialists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Adult & Child Health will be able to provide care during times when mental health crises are most prevalent, including evenings and weekends.
Indiana Youth Group will use Funding from the Vitality Grant to expand the types of therapies IYG currently offers. That includes new art therapy and gaming therapy options, on top of traditional counseling in one-on-one and group settings.
Other recipients include: 91 Place, Cornerstone, The Flanner House, Focus Initiatives, Genesys Solutions, Inc., Girls Talk, HOPE Academy, MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth), Mujeres Connectadas Inc. New B.O.Y., The Ross Foundation, .L.E.D Corp., and Warren Arts and Education Foundation.
The city has been making significant efforts to help ease the mental health crisis in Marion County. The Assessment & Intervention Center (AIC) recently expanded its operations to 60 beds, doubling its capacity. The Clinician-Led Community Response program provides an alternative to involving law enforcement when responding to mental health crises, with a planned expansion from Downtown into East District next year.