Centene Invests In Critical Mental Health Resources through Local Partnerships

For many, the emotional trauma of COVID-19 will last longer than the pandemic itself. Mental Health Month, observed each May, is an opportunity to recognize that our most vulnerable communities may experience extra stress and mental strain caused by COVID-19. To relieve some of the pressures on those we serve nationwide, Centene recently announced a plan to provide additional mental health resources to those impacted by the current pandemic and well into the future.

Centene's recent partnerships with organizations across the country fall into three main categories:

Provider Training and Support

Centene is partnering with Allegheny Health Network and the CARES Institute at Rowan University to fund 25 virtual Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training cohorts, which will enable up to 600 clinicians nationally to receive this highly effective training. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for the impact of traumatic experience on child and adolescent mental health.

Centene is also directing funds to the Crisis Text Line to support their "For the Frontlines" initiative. For the Frontlines provides fast, free, text-based crisis support to individuals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other essential workers.

Support for "Warmline" Call Centers

Additionally, Centene is partnering with peer warmlines, which are dedicated call centers for mild to moderate behavioral health needs, in states hardest hit by COVID-19, including California, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois, and Florida. As part of this partnership, Centene will allocate funds to assist warmlines in meeting the demand for increased capacity brought on by the pandemic.

Expanding Access to Mental Health First Aid Training

To ensure a long-term impact beyond the current pandemic, Centene will donate to the National Council for Behavioral Health's COVID-19 Relief Fund, specifically for the provision of Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid teaches people to recognize signs that someone might be experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thinking, or abusing substances. Centene's support will assist in moving Mental Health First Aid training from face-to-face to a virtual environment, allowing more individuals greater access to certification at this critical time.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, our commitment to whole health strengthens the continuum of services we offer. Leveraging local partnerships to address pressing health matters helps keep our members and communities safe and healthy. For more information on how Centene is addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Resource Center.