Jacksonville, Fla. (April 29, 2026) — United Way of Northeast Florida will launch on May 1 its first-ever fund supporting mental health resources. Launching on the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, this new fund will help ensure every individual across Northeast Florida receives critical mental health support when they need it most.

With the goal to raise $250,000 by May 31, gifts to the United for Mental Health Fund will mobilize donors passionate about mental well-being to support the growing demand for crisis response and mental health services. Gifts will support the following services United Way provides in Northeast Florida: Full Service Schools, the 988 Florida Lifeline, United Way 211 and Mission United.

“We operate four services around the clock every day of the year that address mental health needs – and yet many people have no idea we provide them,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of
United Way of Northeast Florida. “This fund will help raise dollars to sustain this critical work but also raise awareness of our services to ensure no one suffers because they didn’t know help is available.”

For 35 years, United Way has served as the administrative arm of Full Service Schools, helping thousands of Duval County public school students each year access free mental health care and other critical services that strengthen families and support academic success. United Way also operates the free 211 information and referral hotline, established in 1985, which connects annually over 47,000 callers to available housing, food, health care and other essential resources. In addition, United Way manages the 988 Florida Lifeline for our nine-county region, where more than 12,500 people each year reach out for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Through Mission United, United Way also provides benefit and care coordination for Veterans and their families, connecting more than 780 Veterans last year alone to the services and support they need.

“We know this community cares deeply about mental health,” said Éres McKee, vice president of philanthropy at United Way of Northeast Florida. “The United for Mental Health Fund creates a clear, trusted and impactful opportunity to support mental health in Northeast Florida. Whether it’s an individual gift or a corporate investment – large or small – every dollar moves us closer to a community where help is always within reach.”

Interested donors can give to the United for Mental Health Fund on United Way’s website (unitedwaynefl.org) or by contacting McKee directly at eresm@nulluwnefl.org.

“At NAMI, we see every day what happens when people can’t access mental health care — and what’s possible when they can,” said Suzanne Mailloux, NAMI Jacksonville CEO. “United Way connects people to that care quickly and compassionately. Mental health is the foundation of stable jobs, strong families and thriving neighborhoods. Please support United Way’s United for Mental Health Fund.”

“Every person who calls us seeking help is searching for one thing: a reason to keep going,” said United Way’s vice president of crisis and community navigation, Rebecca Weaver. “These services pull people back from crisis, stabilize families and strengthen the broader community. Your gift ensures this important work continues – and grows with the demand. One donation can change the entire trajectory of a life. Please join us.”

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