By Elizabeth Barhydt
Greenwich United Way (GUW) has partnered with Greenwich Hospital to develop an Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program for young people aged 12 to 18. The GUW has provided an initial contribution to the project which will be located at 500 W. Putnam Avenue, in a facility co-located with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center in Greenwich.
The new facility aims to address the acute need within the community for mental health care for young people, with GUW CEO David Rabin stating that “accessible mental health care for our town’s young people is critically needed and we are proud to lead the charge with Greenwich Hospital in building this essential program.” The creation of the Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program will offer adolescents struggling with mental health challenges immediate access to care and support.
The GUW is committed to raising $1.6 million to support the build-out and operation of the program. The facility is the first step towards the development of a behavioral health program for young people in the community. According to Greenwich Hospital President, Diane P. Kelly, DNP, MBA, RN, a mental health epidemic is affecting young people across the country, and the new program will transform the availability of behavioral health care and treatments for adolescents.
The GUW is a locally governed, nonprofit agency committed to identifying and addressing the health, educational, and self-sufficiency needs specific to its local community. Through its fundraising efforts and ongoing research, the organization directly grants the funds necessary to accomplish its goals. The organization also invests in collaborative efforts with partnering nonprofit agencies to address broad-based community needs.
Individuals interested in contributing to or learning more about the Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program can call 203-869-2221. With the backing of the GUW and the support of the community, the new program offers hope for young people struggling with mental health challenges in the Greenwich area.
For more information, visit https://greenwichunitedway.org.
