South Lake Tahoe, CA…The Barton Foundation and Community Health Advisory Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 cycle of health grants. A total of $50,000 was awarded from Barton Foundation funds to area schools and non-profit organizations that addressed the unmet health needs of the community.

All grant applications are reviewed by the Community Health Advisory Committee, a group of community leaders, elected officials, clinicians, and private and non-profit stakeholders. They act as an advisory committee to Barton Health’s Board of Directors regarding pertinent community health issues facing the community, including the prioritization of the local Community Health Needs Assessment.

Unmet health needs are based on data and findings in the Community Health Needs Assessment. For the last three Community Health Needs Assessments (2012, 2015, and 2018), the top three health concerns identified have been behavioral and mental health, substance abuse, and access to health care services. All grantees submitted a grant application and proposal that addressed one or more of these health concerns.

The following is a list of the thirteen grant recipients with descriptions of their programs and projects:

A Balanced Life, funding mindfulness based stress reduction for South Tahoe Middle School students.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County, providing support to the mentoring program which matches adult volunteers with at-risk youth.

Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, for a camp focused on social and emotional growth for at-risk children.

Kelly Ridge Affordable Housing for Seniors, funding health-related educational programs to help residents maintain healthy independent lifestyles.

Live Violence Free, supporting a free inter-agency child advocate and therapy service program.

Mt. Tallac High School, funding EduGuide which aims to improve the mental health and resilience of at-risk youth.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), for the purchase of brochures and brain shaped stress balls for use in mental health community outreach.

SOS Outreach, providing continued support to underserved youth through a multi-year, progressive curriculum.
Sierra House PTA, funding the Think Kindness program that helps students, parents, and staff build strong relationships.

South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, providing funding for transportation of cancer patients to their medical appointments.

South Tahoe High School Ally Club, increasing the visibility of adult allies to LGBTQ students designed to decrease student anxiety and stress through OUT for Safe Schools®.

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, providing funding for the winter Warm Room, a safe and warm evening shelter for adults experiencing homelessness.
Tahoe Youth & Family Services, supporting free behavioral health counseling services for youth at South Tahoe Middle School and South Tahoe High School.

All grant recipients were invited to attend a luncheon on November 2. They each shared stories of how their grant has made a positive impact on members of the community.

All grantees must submit an application and undergo a review process by the Community Health Advisory Committee (CHAC). Since 2009, Barton Foundation has awarded more than $350,000 in community health grants. The next grant cycle will open up for applications May 1, 2019. Grant criteria and updates can be found at bartonhealth.org/foundation.