Three-year grant from Simply Healthcare Foundation will connect children and families with timely, community-based mental health support

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., September 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation has received a $230,000 grant from Simply Healthcare Foundation to expand New Solutions: A Pediatric Mental Health Treatment and Suicide Prevention Program that helps children and families access timely mental health services outside of a traditional hospital setting.

The three-year grant, which began on July 1, will help New Solutions serve 267 individuals while addressing a critical gap between emergency psychiatric treatment and less acute, coordinated community-based care.

Children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis are often brought to the emergency department but may not always meet the medical criteria for hospital admission or an involuntary examination under Florida's Baker Act. Through New Solutions, eligible patients can receive the support they need right away, with the option of receiving therapy at home, in school and connected to their daily lives.

"This grant allows us to reach more children and families with the right level of care when they need it most. By providing a direct connection to behavioral health services, we can help families navigate a difficult moment and begin building a path toward long-term well-being," said Tim Curtin, Vice President of Community Services at Memorial Healthcare System.

Patients are referred directly by the hospital's emergency department care coordination team. When a child or adolescent is assessed and does not require hospitalization or a Baker Act but clearly needs behavioral health support, the team provides an immediate and seamless handoff to New Solutions. The goal is to connect the family to services within 24 hours.

New Solutions provides four to six months of support from a full-time therapist and case manager who can offer individualized attention and help families participate in and stay connected to treatment. Services may be provided in the home or at school and can include care coordination, family support and referrals to parenting groups and other community resources.

"New Solutions is supported through philanthropic funding. The program is designed to remove barriers to care, increase participation in treatment and reduce the need for involuntary holds in cases where a less restrictive level of support is appropriate," said Marilyn Camerota, Senior Director of Community Services at Memorial Healthcare System. "We are proud to support a program that brings accessible mental health resources directly to children and families while helping them remain connected to their homes, schools and communities."

The funding will also help New Solutions expand its capacity and raise awareness about the mental health resources available to families.

The announcement comes during Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September to encourage open conversations about mental health and connect individuals with potentially lifesaving resources.

About Memorial Healthcare System 

South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare Systemis a national leader in quality care and patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Its commitment to deeper caring, smarter health and community outreach prioritizes a person-centered approach that has delivered safe, positive outcomes for more than 70 years. 

Memorial is committed to healing the body, mind and spirit of those in its care. For more information, visit mhs.netand connect on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

About Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is one of the nation's leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region's most diverse, board-certified specialists and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind and spirit.

Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.

The hospital's nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities and equipment that support the pediatric facility's mission.

To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and  Instagram.

About Simply Healthcare Foundation

Simply Healthcare Foundation is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. To learn more about the Simply Healthcare Foundation, please visit www.elevancehealth.foundation.

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SOURCE Memorial Healthcare System