Gift to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Daviess County Youth
United Way of Daviess County is investing in K-12 youth with a $16,000 grant awardpresented to Youth First, Inc. “United Way of Daviess County’s investment in Youth First helps fulfill both our visions of strong, healthy communities,” says Youth First Regional Development Officer Jeremy Adams.
The grant will allow for mental health supports through Youth First’s student assistance services and prevention programs available to approximately 3,352 students in Daviess County partner schools, including Barr-Reeve Elementary School, Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, North Daviess Junior/Senior High School, Washington Catholic Elementary School, Washington Catholic Middle/High School, Washington High School, Washington Junior High School, and Washington Primary School.
Data from 2024 County Health Rankings shows that young people in Daviess County are faced with county-level concerns that put them at a higher risk for substance misuse and other risky behaviors. For example, 17% of adults report excessive drinking, there is a drug overdose rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, and there is a suicide rate of 10 per 100,000 people. Data also indicates a Mental Health Provider shortage in Daviess County, with one provider to 1,150 residents (per 100,000), which is double the state average of one to 500.
Youth First addresses these issues by placing highly trained mental health professionals, primarily master’s-level social workers, in Daviess County schools, at no cost to students or their families, where they are equipped with evidence-based strategies to help young people navigate life’s challenges without turning to risky behaviors or self-harm.
Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills. They also coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources and services.
Zella Taylor, CEO & Executive Director of United Way of Daviess County, says: “We are thankful for organizations like Youth First. Our youth have limited access to mental health resources, and Youth First helps bridge that gap by working alongside school staff, the students and their parents to prepare for a successful life by building resiliency and positive coping skills. Youth First is unique in their approach to meeting students where they are and serving them in their time of need.”
If you would like to know more about Youth First’s work in Daviess County, please contact Jeremy Adams, Regional Development Officer, at jadams@youthfirstinc.org or 812-887-0587, or visit our website at youthfirstinc.org/daviess.