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Brenda Statz lost her husband Leon, a 57-year-old farmer and father of three “after a long-fought battle with depression.” But the Loganville family’s story is about more than mental health among farmers in the American heartland.

For decades, the United States has consistently failed to provide essential mental health and substance use care to Americans. A central reason is that the people integral to delivering care are not accessible to the individuals and families when and where they need them. 

The U.S. mental health crisis is real. However, so is our opportunity to meet it.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 40% of high school students reported persistently poor mental health, with 20% seriously considering suicide.

In a new study published in the Community Mental Health Journal, we highlight the crucial role of frontline caregivers, often referred to as “Behavioral Health Support Specialists.”

Courage is the defining quality of people with mental and behavioral health challenges, who brave daunting internal and external challenges to seek help. Courage is also the key ingredient in the philanthropic work America needs to overcome the mental health crisis now besetting the nation.

We interviewed representatives of 17 national, regional, and local foundations—with assets ranging from just under $1 million to $12 billion (and a mean of $2.2 billion, median of $130 million)—regarding their experiences funding mental and behavioral health projects.