The Mary Black Foundation is investing $6 million in Vital Spartanburg, a community-wide initiative to support mental and behavioral health efforts, the foundation announced Aug. 10.
The initiative seeks to address a critical need for expanded mental and behavioral health services by bringing together health care providers, nonprofits and local governments to develop innovative pilot programs and expand existing work.
The foundation funding will be spread over the next five years and will support the launch of Vital Spartanburg. Along with contributions from the Duke Endowment, United Way of the Piedmont and others, Mary BLack Foundation funding has pushed Vital Spartanburg’s initial fundraising tally to $7 million.
According to the foundation, the Vital Spartanburg funding is a direct result of an $8 million gift to the foundation in 2022 by noted philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Representatives for more than 40 organizations worked together over 18 months to create a plan for addressing mental and behavioral health needs throughout Spartanburg.
“The plan will launch new, innovative efforts, but it will also support and grow the many effective programs and initiatives already taking place in Spartanburg,” said Molly Talbot Metz, president and CEO of the Mary Black Foundation, in a statement announcing the funding.
The plan focuses on three priorities aimed at prevention, treatment and system coordination:
- Improve mental well-being of children and families.
- Promote well-being of those struggling with severe mental illness.
- Support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.
For more information visit vitalspartanburg.org.
