Each year, Strong Tower Church donates to MHAfred’s annual campaign to help ensure the continuation of critical services to our community. Over the last two years, their generous support—along with the Fredericksburg City Chapter of the NAACP and Mary Washington Hospital Foundation—has helped at-risk teens attend therapy sessions through MHAfred’s partnership with Youth Life Service (YLS).

Would you consider donating to continue these services helping local teens? 

Beyond the statistics showing increasing rates of suicide among our local teens, staff at MHAfred were having conversations with parents asking for help finding a mental health provider after their child shared they were contemplating suicide. Even with insurance, some children were placed on waitlists, which could be up to six months, because many providers were not accepting new clients. Through our MHAfred HELPLINE service, we assisted many families in making that first appointment. Still, others needed to wait. Also, there were other barriers to access, like transportation to and from appointments, parents without leave from work, no insurance, and other costs.

In an innovative pilot program at Fredericksburg City Schools, parents of high-risk teens, determined by school counselors and teachers after MHAfred presented the evidence-based program Sign of Suicide, were provided the opportunity to have their child begin therapy with YLS after school. Afterward, students could take the late bus home, or parents could pick them up. YLS billed insurance if it was available. If insurance was not an option, MHAfred used dedicated grant dollars to ensure no child was turned away. During 2023, this partnership provided 230 therapy sessions for an average cost of $51.79 per session to donors, proving to be a cost-effective model for providing this service in partnership with local schools.

The Need Across Our Community

Across our region—the City of Fredricksburg and the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford—the total # of reporting frequent suicide ideation among 100,000 of the population is 51.44, which is higher than the state average of 31 among 100,000*. Additionally, Virginia ranks 18th among all states for the highest number of youth reporting frequent suicide ideation*, which is also a strong indicator that our kids are struggling and more services are needed. (*Mapping the Mental Health of Our Communities)

Impacting Family and Friends

• MHAfred staff recently spoke with a grandmother searching for an appointment after her grandson’s best friend died by suicide. The friend was six years old.
• After MHAfred presented Signs of Suicide at local schools or youth groups, an average of 10% of students during 2023 asked to meet with a counselor for help – many asking because they were concerned for a friend.

If you are interested in helping or have questions, please contact us at 540-371-2704 or email MHAfred@MHAfred.org. Donations accepted online.