Mental Health America (MHA), in collaboration with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, has announced the recipients of the Equity Impact Zone (EIZ) grants. These grants aim to address mental health equity gaps in New Jersey communities.
The EIZ program focuses on empowering community-based organizations by providing resources tailored to the unique needs of their members. The factors considered include housing, income, food security, safety, and freedom from discrimination as key social drivers of mental health inequity.
This year's inaugural grant recipients are Young Audiences (YA) New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania and the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ). "It is our privilege to walk alongside the communities we serve as allies and advocates to overcome barriers and reduce inequities," said Tarek Rabah, president and CEO of Otsuka North America Pharmaceutical Business. He added that supporting this program allows community leaders to make decisions that best support their members.
Young Audiences will use the grant for their Arts Impactive Initiative program, which supports youth mental health through artmaking in schools. Michele Russo, YA President and CEO, emphasized that arts education experiences help children understand and express feelings while fostering empathy.
MHANJ plans to utilize its grant for a multi-level program at Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), offering peer navigators, treatment services, a mental health support community, and training. Carolyn Beauchamp, MHANJ President and CEO, stated that this pilot engages at a grassroots level to identify core issues preventing equitable access to mental health care.
Otsuka has invested $1.02 million into this initial EIZ grant program. Plans are underway for MHA and Otsuka to expand beyond New Jersey into California and Maryland in 2025. Schroeder Stribling, MHA President and CEO noted the importance of supporting local initiatives rooted in community identities.
Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA offers teaching artist-led programs across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania since 1973. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is dedicated to advocacy and services for those affected by mental illness.
Mental Health America promotes mental health as part of whole-person health through prevention services and integrated care. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., focuses on innovative healthcare products globally with a significant presence in the U.S., particularly in areas like mental health.
