Blue & You Foundation supports behavioral and mental health programs for children and young adults

Arkansas youth are in crisis, and trauma, substance use and suicide are the three biggest areas of mental health concern, according to federal and state data.

Substance use disorder is seen in 8.8% of Arkansas children, teens and young adults, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health State Estimates 2022-2023 (the most recent data available). Arkansans of other ages are in the same fight. Arkansas has the third-worst drug problem among the 50 states, reported UAMS, citing personal-finance website www.wallethub.com in 2024.

“Young Arkansans are historically underserved when it comes to resources and treatment surrounding substance use and behavioral health challenges,” said Rebecca Pittillo, president of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. “We hope by supporting programs that address these issues and have led to proven results, we can begin to build lifelong health, resiliency and well-being for our children and their families – tools they can carry with them throughout their lives.”

The programs the Foundation supports include:

Three avenues of targeted mental and behavioral help for youth and their families offered by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS):

• UAMS Six Bridges Clinic
  

  Launched in spring 2024, the Six Bridges Clinic provides evidence-based treatments for adolescents and young adults (ages 12-24) experiencing substance dependency. Youth can get screening and evaluation appointments for opioids, alcohol, marijuana, vaping and other substances. The clinic is open Monday through Friday (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), and is located at the Clark Center for Safe and Healthy Children, 2nd floor, 1210 Wolfe Street, Little Rock. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 501-526-8487.

• AR ConnectNow
  

  UAMS Health’s AR ConnectNow has expanded. The program continues to operate a call center 24 hours a day, seven days a week (501-526-3563 or 800-482-9921). It now also offers confidential, convenient, virtual mental health treatment for Arkansans (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday). The expanded AR ConnectNow website now offers trusted mental health education, support in finding high-quality mental healthcare and practical tools to promote positive mental health in youth and families.

• Trauma Resources Initiative for Schools (TRIS)
  

  With 1 in 4 Arkansas children experiencing trauma, there is a need for a solution. In response, UAMS has expanded TRIS. Working with the Arkansas Department of Education, the program serves elementary and secondary schools, teaching more than 10,000 educators and caring adults to recognize and respond to the trauma-related needs of students, families and staff. The TRIS mental health team also provides consultation to school leaders after potentially traumatic events that may impact the school community.

The Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Project Renew

The Arkansas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) program focuses on educating high school students about mental health and preventing suicide among adolescents and teens. Led by peers, Project Renew is made up of students working with fellow students to increase knowledge and awareness of mental health, suicide prevention and self-care. The goal is to get the word out not only to teenagers but also to parents and communities.

“Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Kionti Traylor, Project Renew program manager.

Project Renew is currently expanding its suicide prevention programs statewide through public schools, colleges, universities and community groups. Initially launched in high schools in Greenbrier, Monticello, White Hall and Lee County, the program expanded this school year to include schools in Fayetteville, Rogers, Lake Hamilton, Brinkley and Marianna.

“I enjoyed the presentation because it makes mental health as important as physical health,” said a parent from Greenbrier’s Project Renew. “Their work is sparking conversations necessary to remove the stigma and create an environment in which it is safe for teens to discuss their mental health.”

Wolfe Street Foundation

Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)

The Wolfe Street Foundation Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is Arkansas’ first community-based initiative uniting prevention and recovery efforts for teens. Supported by the Blue & You Foundation, the program has engaged more than 2,500 young people and 500 educators. YEP partners with Six Bridges Clinic, a collaboration between the UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, to address youth mental health and substance use challenges.

“Making sure young people have their best shots at bright futures takes the whole community – it’s all about partnerships,” said Justin Buck, Executive Director at the Wolfe Street Foundation.

Through YEP, youth access support groups and empowerment coaching led by certified peer recovery support specialists. The model emphasizes lived experience and personal values rather than fear-based approaches.

At YEP’s Little Rock Teen Empowerment Center, participants find a safe, supportive environment with peer connection and academic support. This summer, YEP expands its reach through a mobile Camp Thrive – reaching more than 500 young people in rural counties.

“Everywhere we go, YEP provides a safe space for kids to identify things in their lives that are important and practice making decisions using their own personal values,” said Rebecca Webber, Wolfe Street Foundation’s Program Development Manager and YEP’s founding coordinator.

To learn more, visit http://www.wolfestreet.org/yep.

The Boys and Girls Club of Benton County

Project Mindful Matters

Grounded in trauma-informed practices, Project Mindful Matters supports resilience, healing and emotional well-being, offering compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment. The program supports youth, their families and the program’s staff members.

Since its beginning, more than 700 youth have used its calming room.

“The calming room makes me feel safe,” said a 9-year-old. “It helps me feel better,” added an 11-year-old.

More than 80 children have attended group counseling sessions, connecting with their peers and receiving support. More than 20 children were referred to Friendship Community Care for individual mental health therapy and are receiving free on-site therapy and professional support. All staff members have completed comprehensive trauma-informed training, with eight continuing their training at a more intensive level.

“The training allows us to strengthen our policies and practices to create nurturing, trauma-responsive spaces where every child can feel seen, heard and supported,” said Sarah Volpendesta, the club’s director of culture and wellness.

Project Mindful Matters has become a cornerstone of the club’s programming, working to support both the whole child and the entire club.

“We are committed to creating a supportive, responsive and resilient environment where youth, families and staff can all thrive,” Volpendesta said.

The club recently launched a parent engagement series, extending its support by equipping caregivers with the tools, training and resources needed to support their children at home.

“Because of this program, my son and I are now able to have meaningful conversations we never could before,” said the parent of a 7-year-old. “This program has made a lasting and meaningful difference in both his life and mine.”

El Dorado School District

Behavioral Intervention Enhancement

This curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students helps them gain the skills they need for emotional health. Each student receives a comprehensive emotional wellness curriculum tailored to their developmental stage and specific needs.

The district’s support system emphasizes strong academic and emotionally aware, whole-group instruction. It also offers academic and emotional support in both group and individual settings.

“This work is critical because the success of our students extends far beyond the classroom,” said Kelsey Jones, behavior support specialist for the school district.

“By supporting both their academic growth and emotional well-being, we are not only impacting their future but strengthening families and building a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.”

Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ARAAP) Foundation

Training for Pediatricians

ARAAP works to provide the best physical, mental and social health and well-being for all children in the state through advocacy, service and the professional support of its members who provide healthcare. ARAAP and its Foundation offer improved training on suicide and substance use and high-need patients. It also supports work addressing substance use, suicidal indicators and high-needs behavioral health patients in the pediatric, primary care setting.

The Blue & You Foundation is a charitable foundation established and initially funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health in the Natural State.