California Youth Get Increased Access to Mental and Physical Health Care Thanks to Grant from Health Net

Date: 08/01/22

Investing in the mental and physical health of California's youth is crucial to their wellbeing later in life. Taking care of one's mental health has become even more important since the start of the pandemic. Recent figures show that there is a growing problem with young Americans. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that one in four adults between the ages of 18 and 24 thought about suicide because of the pandemic.

Health Net's Nancy Wongvipat-Kalev, Senior Director, Systems of Care, and Belinda Rolicheck, Program Manager, spoke at the California Association of Health Plans seminar in May. It focused on Reimagining Behavioral Health for Our Children & Youth.

To support young Californians, Health Net awarded a $3 million grant to Hazel Health. Hazel Health provides telehealth for K-12 schools. They partner with school nurses, counselors, parents, and local providers. They bring high-quality whole child health care to every student. Thanks to Health Net's grant, they have been able to expand their presence. This includes 200 schools in 10 California counties.

At Health Net, we focus on the physical and mental health of our youngest members. Our approach supports care where kids need it – in school, at home and at the doctor's office. That's why we support Hazel Health and other organizations across the state that work to close care gaps, meet behavioral health needs and drive health equity.

Health Net is committed to partnerships with tangible resources for communities to address the mental health and social needs of children and families.