Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
"Now is the Time" Project Aware Community PROJECT ACE - Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio will launch PROJECT ACE: AWARE-CONNECTED-ENGAGED, to accelerate the reach of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) in Ohio. The project will focus on youth ages 12-18 in Hamilton County, Ohio. Hamilton County is the third most populous county in Ohio, and home to approximately 185,525 youth. Youth in Hamilton County have some of the highest rates of suicide and homicide in the State of Ohio. High rates of childhood poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues are among other reasons to target this population. Because Hamilton County is home to many behavioral health agencies in addition to world-class business, education, healthcare, performing arts and faith based organizations, the likelihood of success is high. Building the connection between youth and services is essential to influence current social norms referenced above. YMHFA will be marketed to adults with the most contact with youth in the catchment area. "ACE" adults will begin to build the bridge to available resources and services. Project goals include an increase in help seeking behaviors of the youth throughout the catchment area, an increase in adults' mental health literacy and confidence to help youth in need, and an increase in the number of referrals to services made by certified First Aiders. Planned measures include utilization of mental health services as reported by partnering agencies, an increase in the number of individuals certified in YMHFA, and self-report of referrals made by First Aiders. This project will train 1,000 adults who serve Hamilton County youth in YMHFA the first year, 1,050 in the second year, and 1,100 in the third year, for a total of 3,150 certified First Aiders by the end of the funded project period.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).