CareSource spotlights youth mental health

CareSource, a non-profit, mission-driven managed care entity, brought together the University of Louisville and Indiana University men's basketball teams for The CareSource Invitational – Indianapolis, Supporting Mental Health, a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse dedicated to raising awareness for adolescent and young adult mental health.

Focused on the messag, "It's OK to not be OK," the game aimed to normalize mental health conversations and help create safe, supportive environments where young people feel empowered to seek support and thrive.

The CareSource Invitational series launched in 2023 with a goal to raise awareness and funds for adolescent and young adult mental health, particularly suicide prevention. In addition to Indianapolis, the collegiate games have swept through three other cities: Atlanta, Ga., Fayetteville, Ark., and Dayton, Ohio.

"The CareSource Invitationals highlight the connection between physical and mental health," said Dr. Cameual Wright, president of CareSource Indiana. "This year's games focus on the rising mental health challenges youth face, providing a supportive environment for meaningful conversation. Today's UofL vs. IU game, showcased on the national stage, continues that mission."

As part of its ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy, the CareSource Foundation also presented $25,000 donations at halftime to two Indiana-based mental health service providers, LifeSpring Health Systems and Regional Health Systems. The funds will support programs that provide mental health resources and services to Indiana's youth and young adults.

LifeSpring Health Systems is the state designated community mental health center in 11 Southern Indiana counties and a Federally Qualified Health Center. LifeSpring serves more than 20,000 clients annually by providing a comprehensive spectrum of behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment and primary care services.

"We are grateful to CareSource for their continued investment in the health and mental wellbeing of Hoosiers," said Beth Keeney, DrPH, MBA, president and CEO of LifeSpring Health Systems. "It takes all aspects of the health care system rowing in the same direction to help our family, friends and neighbors meet their health goals."

Regional Health Systems provides integrated behavioral health, primary care and dental services to improve whole-person wellness in Northwest Indiana. The donation from the CareSource Foundation will help address two major barriers to wellness in Northwest Indiana: food insecurity and housing instability.

"Regional Health Systems is excited to partner with CareSource to use the grant funds to help members of our community deal with housing and food insecurity," said Amy Lopez, health clinic executive director and vice president of health clinic for Regional Health Systems. "We anticipate assisting folks with rent as well as specialty food boxes from the area food bank. These food boxes will be on-site at Regional locations for those in need. Aiding with social health concerns like housing and food minimizes stress and enables people to focus on their mental and physical health."

Young people in Indiana face a mounting mental health crisis. About one-third of Indiana high schoolers said they experienced poor mental health "most of the time or always," according to the latest Indiana Youth Institute survey, and nearly half — 47% — reported dealing with depression at some point in the past year. More than one in six Indiana high schoolers in the survey said they've attempted suicide.

Ahead of the game, 2,000 local high school students gathered at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis to participate in a pep rally led by UofL Coach Pat Kelsey and IU Coach Darian DeVries, both men's basketball teams, CareSource Foundation leadership, Arsenal Tech administrators and Brandon Saho, sports reporter turned mental health advocate and host of The Mental Game podcast.

CareSource believes athletes and coaches can serve as powerful role models, using their platforms to share personal stories and advocate for mental health awareness, bridging the gap between physical and mental well-being.

CareSource Indiana serves Hoosiers with health insurance through the Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise and Health Insurance Marketplace. Behavioral health services remain a top priority for the non-profit, mission-driven managed care entity. In the last year, more than 26% of CareSource Indiana members have received care for multifaceted mental health conditions.