Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation Supports Nevada Organizations Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services

Funding will help address behavioral health needs for youth and underserved populations through community-based care and wellness programs.

As communities across Nevada continue to face significant behavioral health challenges, including nearly three in 10 adults with mental illness reporting they could not get the treatment they needed and more than 65% of youth experiencing major depression going without care, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation today announced new grant funding to support two Nevada organizations expanding access to behavioral health services and strengthening community-based support for vulnerable populations across the state.

"Behavioral health challenges affect individuals, families, and communities across Nevada, and expanding access to care requires strong local partnerships," said Joy Thomas, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Nevada. "We're proud to support organizations like HELP of Southern Nevada and Quest Counseling & Consulting, whose community-based programs are helping people access the behavioral health services, resources, and support they need to improve their well-being and build healthier futures."

The Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations:

HELP of Southern Nevada to expand behavioral health access for youth experiencing homelessness by connecting young people with critical mental health services, care coordination, and supportive resources that promote stability and long-term well-being.

"Behavioral health support can be life-changing for young people experiencing homelessness, helping them build stability, develop better coping skills, strengthen self-awareness and foster healthier relationships," said Fuilala Riley, Chief Executive Officer of HELP of Southern Nevada. "We're grateful for the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation's partnership, which will help us expand access to critical mental health services and ensure more youth receive the care and support they deserve.

Quest Counseling & Consulting to support the Empowering Connections: A Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, which provides behavioral health education, wellness programming, and supportive services designed to strengthen mental health and resilience for individuals and families in the community.

"Strong mental health begins with meaningful connections and access to trusted, community-based care," said Jolene Dalluhn, MA, LADC, Executive Director, Quest Counseling & Consulting. "Support from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation allows us to strengthen our Empowering Connections program and provide individuals and families with the tools, resources, and behavioral health support they need to thrive."

Behavioral health remains a critical priority in Nevada, where many communities continue to experience shortages of behavioral health providers and barriers to accessing timely care. State assessments have identified provider shortages, long wait times, and limited access to services, particularly for youth and underserved populations, as persistent challenges across Nevada.

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation works with nonprofit organizations and community partners to improve health outcomes by addressing the social and environmental factors that influence health. Through strategic investments in local communities, the Foundation supports initiatives that improve access to care, promote healthy communities, and help Nevadans live healthier lives.