United Way of Northeast Florida is launching a new fund to support mental health resources.
Debuting May 1, the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, the United for Mental Health Fund will support the growing demand for crisis response and mental health services in the community, United Way said.
The agency’s goal is to raise $250,000 by May 31.
“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,” Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida, said in an April 29 news release. “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 Duval County public school students access free mental healthcare and other services aimed at strengthening families and supporting academic success.
United Way operates the free 211 information and referral hotline, established in 1985, which connects more than 47,000 callers annually to housing, food, healthcare and other resources.
The organization manages the 988 Florida Lifeline, which serves more than 12,500 people each year with suicide prevention and mental health crisis support.
Through Mission United, United Way provides benefit and care coordination for military veterans and their families, and connected more than 780 people last year to services.
According to its annual audited financial report published in June 2025, United Way of Northeast Florida delivered $23.7 million in services, including $16 million in grants to regional nonprofits.
People can donate to the United for Mental Health Fund at unitedwaynefl.org.