Expanding Mental Health Treatment Access
Across the United States, millions of young people and adults are navigating mental health challenges every day. While mental health is becoming more widely recognized as a fundamental part of an individual’s well-being, the stigma associated with mental health still remains.
Adduna Health Partners is proud to work alongside Chad's Legacy Project (CLP), a nonprofit organization whose vision includes both a clear and effective pathway to treatment of mental illness and a reliable prognosis for positive recovery. CLP envisions a future in which mental illness is regarded as a disease rather than a weakness, and families and friends have the tools to support loved ones. CLP was started by Todd and Laura Crooks who lost their 21 year-old son to suicide while he was battling schizophrenia. The grief of losing their son became a call to action, inspiring them to start an organization dedicated to expanding access to mental health treatment and preventing future tragedies.
CLP focuses on three key avenues to better mental healthcare: reducing stigma associated with mental health issues, improving access and self-determination of care, and reducing duplicated efforts and siloed innovations throughout the state and beyond. The CLP Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training Scholarship, provides opportunities through the Washington State Healthcare Authority's CPS training program. CLP is beginning to transform how teachers across the US assess and access mental health education for the classroom through the advent of MentalHealthInstruction.org. CLP is also the state-wide convener and the driving force behind the Washington State Mental Health Summit.
Managing Partner Hugh Ewart is honored to be a volunteer on CLP’s board, advising the organization how to engage more deeply in the children’s behavioral health policy and advocacy arena. Adduna Health Partners looks forward to continued partnership with CLP and contributing to the bold, strategic direction that CLP has set for the future.
Chad’s Legacy Project logo
Joyful Youth, Photo courtesy of Chad’s Legacy Project