Teva Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Direct Relief and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), has announced the funding of the Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care grants for 2025. A total of $75,000 each has been awarded to 11 free and charitable clinics across Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. This marks the third year of the initiative, which continues to address the critical need for expanded mental health services in medically underserved communities.
Expanding Mental Health Access for Underserved Populations
The initiative comes at a time when uninsured individuals often face significant barriers to accessing essential mental health care. Carol Richardson, Sustainability and Health Equity Lead at Teva U.S., explained, “Every day uninsured patients face barriers to accessing basic mental health services they need.” This funding aims to alleviate those challenges by allowing clinics to either expand existing mental health programs or create innovative new behavioral health services tailored to the needs of their local communities.
Impact and Growth of the Community Routes Program
Over the past two years, the Community Routes initiative has already shown remarkable success, helping more than 63,000 beneficiaries across these states. Grantees have conducted 24,617 patient screenings for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These screenings have been essential in identifying mental health concerns that previously went unaddressed, and in many cases, have led to earlier interventions and treatment.
Furthermore, the initiative has supported the training of over 2,800 individuals—including community members, healthcare staff, and volunteers—in mental health promotion and well-being. This has not only helped raise awareness but also ensured that these clinics have the capacity to provide high-quality mental health support. Additionally, grantees have organized 131 community events, further expanding access to mental health education and services, strengthening the clinics’ roles as trusted healthcare resources.
New Focus on Integrating Behavioral Health into Clinical Operations
This latest round of funding focuses on the integration of behavioral health services into existing clinical operations. The priority is to create and expand innovative care delivery models that include evidence-based screening tools and treatment protocols for common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. By doing so, the program hopes to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care in underserved areas, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care, grounded in proven, scientific methods.
Nicole Lamoureux, President and CEO of the NAFC, commented on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet too many individuals in underserved communities struggle to access the care they need. This program empowers clinics to bridge this gap by expanding behavioral health services and critical mental health support. By investing in these clinics, we are investing in the health and resilience of entire communities.”
Looking Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Community Health
The Community Routes initiative is not just about increasing access to mental health services—it’s about creating lasting change within communities. By integrating mental health screenings, treatment options, and education into everyday healthcare practices, this initiative aims to foster a more holistic approach to community health. The focus on training, innovation, and evidence-based practices helps ensure that these clinics are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for mental health care and to provide support to individuals who may otherwise have nowhere to turn.
This year’s funding is a significant step toward creating sustainable mental health infrastructure in some of the most vulnerable areas of the U.S., and it holds the potential to dramatically improve the lives of individuals and families who need it the most.
