SEATTLE, July 5, 2022 -- Today, The Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health, powered by Panorama Global, announced a renewal grant to Teen Health Mississippi, the tenth renewal grant awarded this year for a total of $11.8 million in adolescent mental health grants since its launch in October 2020.

Teen Health Mississippi (THMS) serves youth in high poverty, rural, African American communities across the state. Acknowledging the correlation between mental and sexual health, THMS provides integrated care that includes both mental, sexual, and reproductive education and services.

Last year, THMS served over 700 adolescents through the Mind Elevation Project, a peer-led platform designed to resonate with Black rural youth to disseminate sexual, reproductive, and mental health resources. In addition, THMS initiated the creation of a network of Mental Health First Aid responders by training youth, youth-serving adults, and healthcare providers in their community in trauma-informed Mental Health First Aid.

The renewal grant will support the delivery of ongoing adolescent mental health services and supports, including the expansion of the Mind Elevation Project and continued Mental Health First Aid trainings.

“Teen Health Mississippi is an example of a critical community-based organization that is integrating both physical and mental health care to meet youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth where they are while catering to their intersectional identities and needs,” said Mark Long, Director of The Upswing Fund.

“We’re proud to continue to partner with Teen Health Mississippi. As we recognize BIPOC Mental Health Month this July, we applaud our grantee partners working to close gaps in care for marginalized youth and are appreciative to our donors for making this renewal grant possible.”

As a collaborative fund, The Upswing Fund pools philanthropic support from diverse donors to provide critical resources to community-based organizations that provide services young people rely on. The Upswing Fund was seeded by Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company created by Melinda French Gates to advance social progress in the United States. Further support has been provided by The Klarman Family Foundation and other generous donors. The Fund is an initiative of Panorama Global and advised by a renowned set of mental health experts with deep clinical and research expertise and a passion to support youth and communities.

To learn more about The Upswing Fund or learn more about the opportunity for philanthropic impact that supports mental health and well-being for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, visit www.theupswingfund.org.