Your Generosity in Action

2022 IMPACT REPORT

Kids’ Minds Matter was founded in 2016 to address the need for pediatric mental health services in our region. Thanks to your generosity, advocacy and support, we made significant progress in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

1

IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE

BCHC Straight On

2

BUILDING CAPACITY IN THE REGION

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increase in pediatric behavioral health visits over the last 6 years. 18% increase from 2021 to 2022.
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increase in providers since 2016. This includes an inpatient mental health navigator that connects with children who have multiple emergency room visits under the Baker Act to work through the crisis and address barriers to care.
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certified trainers through the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training by Cornell University. Lee Health plans to certify charge nurses, social workers, public safety officers and other key stakeholders in this three-hour workshop.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training

NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH

172 families served through the Mental Health Navigator program since 2020.
SUCCESSES: an average of 2 grade level increases and 50% increase in attendance for the identified child through the program.
CHALLENGES: our families who are already at risk due to mental health challenges are now being impacted by inflation and the housing crisis in SWFL.
Sad Girl Cutout

OUR CHILDREN ARE IN CRISIS

235% Rise in Baker Acts
from 2020 to 2021.

This increased an additional 10% from 2021 to 2022.

Florida’s Baker Act law is a means of providing individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for up to 72 hours for mental health. Up until now, the policy was the same for adults as it was for children. Lee Health is working to change that.

3

Strengthening Community Engagement and Partnership

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organizations trained in Mental Health First Aid (Youth & Adult).
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caregivers trained through programs like Dignified Discipline, Parenting the Exceptional Child and Exceptional Student Education over 60 sessions.
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agencies worked together to develop the Lee County Ad Hoc Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder Steering Committee to develop a coordinated system of care for behavioral health.
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raised through the annual Kids’ Minds Matter Gala on March 9, 2022. Damini Parkhi became the first recipient of the Courtnage Courage in Our Community award.
KMM Team Outside in front of Keiser University
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MEETING THE NEED

Since 2020, Southwest Florida has seen tremendous growth. But prior to the pandemic, we were seeing an increased need for mental health services in our region. Our children were in crisis, and before we could address the current need, new families began moving into our market. The need has grown.

Additional providers and resources have reduced the wait time for help, but pediatric behavioral health appointment wait times still exist.

6 MONTH WAIT for neuro-developmental conditions and autism spectrum

2 YEARS for a psychology appointment

6-8 WEEKS for psychiatry and 3 WEEKS for an urgent psychiatry appointment for youth

Our children need your support. Act now to save lives.

How Kids’ Minds Matter is Making an Impact

Since its inception, Kids’ Minds Matter has made significant advances to meet children’s mental and behavioral health care needs in our community. Thanks to many generous supporters and passionate advocates, we are making an impact on more children than ever before! Learn how this support has enhanced Kids’ Minds Matter’s reach, increased the number of providers and aided in the collaboration of partners in our community.

Interested in supporting our mission?

View Previous Impact Reports