CareSource Donates $150,000 to OhioGuidestone

(Full Press Release from CareSource)

CareSource today announced it gave $150,000 in grants to support innovative mental health services in Ohio for two groups whose needs are often unmet: first-time fathers and LGBTQ+ youth and adults. The funds were provided to OhioGuidestone, a 160-year-old nonprofit organization that is Ohio’s leading provider of community-based behavioral health services.

Post-partum mental health issues in women are widely studied. Typically, health care providers know to look out for them and a range of supports are available. Less understood and frequently overlooked are the mental health needs of new fathers. Anxiety, changes to routine and the pressure of providing emotional, financial and other supports to a baby and their mother can be sources of stress and despair. OhioGuidestone’s innovative “Father’s Feelings” program studies this issue and developed the first depression screening tool for new fathers. Screenings for fathers are provided as part of OhioGuidestone’s maternal and early childhood programming.

Similarly, LGBTQ+ youth and adults experience mental health challenges that are unique to their community. OhioGuidestone is implementing an evidence-based program across the state called AFFIRM that utilizes identity affirmation and cognitive behavioral therapy to help members of the LGBTQ+ community to manage stress, enhance coping skills and validate their strengths.

“Our partnership with CareSource is a game changer for our programs, especially those that reach groups of Ohioans whose needs are often overlooked,” said OhioGuidestone President and CEO, Brant Russell. “We’re able to advance OhioGuidestone’s mission to expand access to whole person care and provide pathways to lasting well-being. This would not be possible without the funding and partnership of CareSource.”

“CareSource’s mission is to transform health care by increasing access to providers like OhioGuidestone who offer programs that are evidence-based and result in positive outcomes in the lives of those who use them,” said Stephanie Stitt, director of behavioral health provider relations and initiatives for CareSource Ohio.