Trust opens funding opportunity to address healthcare barriers for Alachua County families

Future funding planned for special needs, behavioral health and mental health

April 12, 2024 —

The Children’s Trust of Alachua County is seeking healthcare applicants for a pool of $600,000 in total new funding allocated for this purpose.

The three-year contracts will require providers to expand access to physical pediatric wellbeing services, such as primary care, dental care, and other similar needs, as well as assist with care coordination and navigation.

“We heard from parents, healthcare providers and other community members on the need for mental healthcare and special needs supports, and we do intend to address those specifically in a future funding opportunity,” said Kristy Goldwire, director of program operations at the Children’s Trust. “We’re starting with the most basic physical healthcare and navigation needs at this time, but this is only the first step.”

The process leading to the request for proposals included listening sessions with community members and healthcare providers, surveys and a Children’s Trust board workshop to establish parameters.

The input revealed some barriers to seeking healthcare for children include being uninsured or underinsured, costs, transportation, language and time. The funded organizations are asked to address these challenges in expanding access to all, and especially to those in rural communities.

Interested applicants can find the requirements and bid instructions at childrenstrustofalachuacounty.us/programs/page/2024-01-youth-health-request-proposal-rfp. Applications are due May 30, with selected contracts beginning Oct. 1.

“The health and well-being of youth has always been at the core of the Children’s Trust’s mission,” said Marsha Kiner, its executive director. “The community continues to tell us their needs, which is so important to our process, and we’re excited to bring in these new healthcare providers to expand access to families who need these services.”