CareSource Donates $150,000 to OhioGuidestone

DAYTON, Ohio (CARESOURCE) – CareSource today announced it gave $150,000 in grants to support innovative mental health services in Ohio for two groups whose needs are often unmet: first-time fathers and LGBTQ+ youth and adults. The funds were provided to OhioGuidestone, a 160-year-old nonprofit organization that is Ohio’s leading provider of community-based behavioral health services.

Post-partum mental health issues in women are widely studied. Typically, health care providers know to look out for them and a range of supports are available. Less understood and frequently overlooked are the mental health needs of new fathers. Anxiety, changes to routine and the pressure of providing emotional, financial and other supports to a baby and their mother can be sources of stress and despair. OhioGuidestone’s innovative “Father’s Feelings” program studies this issue and developed the first depression screening tool for new fathers. Screenings for fathers are provided as part of OhioGuidestone’s maternal and early childhood programming.

Stephanie Stitt, director of behavioral health provider relations and initiatives for CareSource Ohio. (Photo: CareSource)

Similarly, LGBTQ+ youth and adults experience mental health challenges that are unique to their community. OhioGuidestone is implementing an evidence-based program across the state called AFFIRM that utilizes identity affirmation and cognitive behavioral therapy to help members of the LGBTQ+ community to manage stress, enhance coping skills and validate their strengths.

“Our partnership with CareSource is a game changer for our programs, especially those that reach groups of Ohioans whose needs are often overlooked,” said OhioGuidestone President and CEO, Brant Russell. “We’re able to advance OhioGuidestone’s mission to expand access to whole person care and provide pathways to lasting well-being. This would not be possible without the funding and partnership of CareSource.”

“CareSource’s mission is to transform health care by increasing access to providers like OhioGuidestone who offer programs that are evidence-based and result in positive outcomes in the lives of those who use them,” said Stephanie Stitt, director of behavioral health provider relations and initiatives for CareSource Ohio.

About OhioGuidestone

With compassion and respect, OhioGuidestone helps people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives. As the state’s leader in community behavioral health care, we focus on the needs of the whole person, empowering them to take steps towards a healthier future. OhioGuidestone provides a complete continuum of prevention services and mental health and substance use treatment, focusing on responsive person-centered care delivered through telehealth and locations across the state. For more information about our services, visit ohioguidestone.org, or call 1-844-622-5584. Also, visit us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.