Mental health was identified as the highest priority of health risk and need in Logan County during the most recent Community Needs Assessment.
Furthermore, there is an increased concern about mental health for young people. Through a survey administered to Logan County students during the 2023-24 school year, 17 percent of combined eighth-, 10th-, and 12th-graders indicated having attempted suicide one or more times in the past, and 20 percent reported feeling sad most or all the time in the past 30 days.
In addition, most of the respondents of the Community Needs Assessment named obesity and healthy lifestyle choices as a moderate or very serious issue facing Logan County.
To address these community needs, the Mary Rutan Foundation’s Community Wellness Grants were recently awarded for six area programs and initiatives that focus on youth mental health and youth healthy living:
• Bellefontaine High School — $3,000, Opportunity Program;
• Indian Lake Elementary School — $3,950, Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs;
• Indian Lake Middle School — $5,000, Just a Kid With an IEP;
• Journey Nature School — $1,000, Whole-Child Learning in Nature;
• LifeCare Alliance — $1,000, Camp Hamwi Diabetes Camp for Kids; and
• LoCo Art — $2,500, Stress Less Workshops.
“Mary Rutan Foundation is proud to invest in improving the lives of youth in the communities we serve. We believe that we can be impactful by providing funding resources to area schools and organizations for programs and initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and mental well-being,” said Tammy Gump, Mary Rutan Foundation COO.
Mary Rutan Foundation began its community grant program in 2014. Since that time, more than $485,000 has been awarded to local organizations committed to doing their part to make Logan County a healthier community.
For further information regarding Mary Rutan Foundation wellness initiatives or to contribute to the foundation, call (937) 599-7003 or email tammy.gump@maryrutan.org.