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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health treatment center serving children, adults and families, has received two grants from the Community Foundation of Collier County (CFCC) to help address the increasing mental health and addiction crisis plaguing Collier residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants will improve access to life-saving mental health services and fund a communications campaign.

Funds were provided from the CFCC’s $15.5 million “Your Passion. Your Collier.” campaign launched this year to address the challenges facing our community including mental health & substance abuse, housing & hunger, education & employment, seniors & veterans, environment & accessibility, as well as crisis & disaster relief.

These grants will address the dramatic increases in the acute behavioral health service needs of adults and children that DLC has experienced in the last year. Since the pandemic began, there has been a 26% in the number of calls received and worked by DLC’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There has been a 19% increase in Emergency intake assessments. For those needing to be admitted to the Crisis Unit, the average daily census increased 33% for children and up to 16% for adults. This increased support from the Community Foundation will help save lives by investing in highly-trained staff to provide evidence-based care and support to those who are struggling.

A $255,000 crisis response grant will enhance DLC’s capacity to assist individuals at risk for suicide and ensure access to care following the crisis. Funds will be used to increase clinical staffing to address higher utilization of Emergency Services, assist individuals in crisis to successfully navigate the transition from inpatient crisis stabilization to outpatient care, as well as to expand adult outpatient treatment resources.

This grant will specifically fund a new Crisis Response Clinician, a dedicated Lead Children’s Crisis Behavioral Health Technician, an additional Baker Act Coordinator, a Community Navigator, and an additional Outpatient Therapist.

An additional $30,000 education and awareness grant will be used to fund a communications campaign to address the lasting psychological impacts of the pandemic, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. The goal of this grant is to educate the community about the importance of intervening early to avoid life-threatening crises such as suicidal thoughts and overdose.

The funds will be used to launch a three-month awareness campaign utilizing digital, print, and TV advertising to reach a broad range of demographics. Campaign messaging will communicate that DLC is here for the behavioral health needs of the community, that it is easy and safe to connect to care either in person or virtually, and that there is help and hope for anyone who needs it.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of the Community Foundation of Collier County to meet the growing mental health needs of our community,” said Scott Burgess, DLC President and CEO. “Together, we are encouraging those struggling with these widespread issues to seek support so they can effectively cope and thrive again while ensuring that all who reach out for care have immediate access to the help they need.”

“We are excited to partner with David Lawrence Centers on this critical community issue as part of our Your passion. Your Collier. campaign,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Community Foundation President and CEO.  “Our goal is to have campaign donations and pledges wrapped up by the end of the year for this initiative that will respond to Collier County’s needs. Nothing can move forward without the community’s support.”

About the Community Foundation of Collier County

The Community Foundation of Collier County is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization, established in 1985 to increase and focus private philanthropy in the area. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 750 funds, serves hundreds of nonprofits, holds over holds $260 million in assets and has distributed more than $200 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs since its inception in 1985. The Community Foundation of Collier County is one of Florida’s fastest growing community foundations. For good. Forever. Learn more at cfcollier.org or call 239-649-5000.

About David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,800 people through over 276,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 455-8500.