Kids' Minds Matter raises record $2.8 million for pediatric mental health initiatives

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 6, 2020 - PRLog -- Kids' Minds Matter's fourth annual Secret Garden Gala raised a record $2.8 million for pediatric mental and behavioral health services in Southwest Florida on March 4. Since its founding in 2016, Kids' Minds Matter has raised approximately $10 million to support its mission to increase access to care to ensure children receive the right care at the right place and right time.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support for Kids' Minds Matter from the Collier and Lee County communities as we strive to provide mental healthcare for the many children living in Southwest Florida," whole-heartedly expressed by Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, founders of Kids' Minds Matter. "We have made great progress in providing care over the last three years, but it is only the tip of the iceberg.  Our success last night is the beginning of our entire region coming together to support mental healthcare for our children through Kids' Minds Matter at Golisano Children's Hospital."

NBC2 anchor Kellie Burns emceed the event. Keynote speaker, mental health advocate and best-selling author Kevin Hines shared his personal struggles with mental illness and the story of his miraculous survival following his near-fatal suicide attempt jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Following his presentation, a powerful video highlighting caregivers, patients and mental health advocates was shown, then a "Fund the Need" call by benefit auctioneer Rick Gallo raised more than $2.8 million.

The goal of Kids' Minds Matter is to increase access to pediatric mental and behavioral health care in our region, focusing on four critical areas: evidence-based patient care, community engagement, education and legislative lobbying.

Philanthropic support for Kids' Minds Matter has allowed Lee Health and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida to: implement a tiered model of care that clinically aligns community, inpatient and outpatient care; hire additional psychiatrists, child advocates and other mental health professionals; offer Mental Health First Aid training to local pediatricians, emergency service providers and others who work directly with children; renovate an outpatient center in Fort Myers where a child's needs can be addressed in a therapeutic setting; and launch a first-of-its-kind Pediatric Digital Cognitive Behavioral Health diagnostic and treatment protocols interlaced with Tele-Psychology support to treat anxiety, depression and trauma.

Funds raised at the Gala will be used to add additional care navigators in local schools, establish an Autism Testing Center in collaboration with Florida State University and Florida Gulf Coast University, expand metal health clinics throughout the region and provide counseling sessions for under and uninsured children in need of care.