Partnership to tackle MH crisis for people with disabilities launched

Abstract

The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of the UnitedHealth Group has awarded the nonprofit disability rights advocacy organization, The Arc of the United States, a three‐year, $2.5 million grant to improve mental health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a news release by The Arc stated. Up to 40% of people with IDD have co‐occurring mental health conditions, and this critical funding will help address their unmet mental health needs. Currently, only 1 in 10 children and adolescents with IDD and mental health disorders receive specialized services. These statistics highlight the need for training and awareness to ensure providers and caregivers are equipped to support the mental health needs of people with disabilities. This includes expanding access to quality mental health care services, improving coordination between disability and health systems, training over 2,000 providers and caregivers to recognize mental health needs in people with IDD, and launching public awareness campaigns to counteract stigma and misconceptions. A key component of the grant is partnering with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to adapt its evidence‐based Mental Health First Aid program with information on IDD. Over three years, the United Health Foundation grant will help train caregivers, health care professionals, first responders, educators and family members to recognize the mental health needs of people with IDD and decrease the number of mental health crisis incidents experienced by this population.