South Florida – November 7, 2025 – Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell family of companies, is continuing to advance mental well-being efforts in Florida by investing $2.75 million in eight community-based programs. These initiatives will address critical mental health needs and help grow the pipeline of mental health professionals throughout the state.

By the numbers: Florida ranks 35th among all states for prevalence of mental illness and has a severe shortage of mental health providers, leaving 6 million people in communities with inadequate access to mental health care.

What they're saying:

"At Florida Blue and across the GuideWell family of companies, we believe that health starts in our communities — in the connections we build, the support we offer, and the hope we inspire. Mental well-being is at the heart of a healthy life, yet too many Floridians face barriers to getting the help they need,” said Brian Pieninck, president and CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue. “By partnering with community organizations that know their neighborhoods best, we’re investing not only in programs, but in people — in their strength, their resilience, and their future. Together, we can create lasting change that helps people thrive.”

The 2025 mental well-being grants support the following programs:

Addressing Community Mental Health Challenges

• Be Strong International, Inc. (Miami-Dade, and Broward counties) – The Social Yaks program is a comprehensive initiative that aims to promote mental well-being and reduce social isolation and loneliness among adolescents and senior adults in Miami-Dade and Broward counties through a card game, training program, and community awareness events. The program will be implemented in partnership with local schools and community-based organizations.
• Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation (Escambia County) –   The Sacred Support program will embed a licensed mental health therapist within Studer Family Children's Hospital to provide immediate mental health support to over 38,000 individuals, serving 10 rural Florida counties with high poverty rates and geographic isolation. The program will offer comprehensive mental health care, including individual, family, and group therapy sessions, as well as parenting support and family therapy.
• Camaraderie Foundation, Inc. (Orange County) – The Counseling Services for Military Service Members, Veterans and their Families program provides comprehensive support services, including case management and counseling, to 200 participants

   

  Show Other Stories