MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University announced today that it will receive a $167,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Division. The funding is earmarked to expand the university’s existing Coach Beyond initiative, a program that equips adults who work closely with young people – such as high‑school coaches, performing‑arts directors and mental‑health professionals – with tools to recognize mental‑health challenges, promote positive development, and connect youth to appropriate resources.
Targeting the hardest‑hit communities
The grant specifically targets Indiana counties experiencing the highest rates of youth suicide. While the announcement did not list the counties by name, officials emphasized that the expanded training will be directed toward communities where the need is greatest, ensuring that limited resources are used where they can have the most impact.
What the expanded Coach Beyond program will include
Under the new funding, Ball State will establish the Indiana Coaching Resource Center. This hub will serve as a central repository of training materials, best‑practice guidelines, and referral networks for coaches and other adults who interact daily with adolescents. Participants will receive:
- Workshops on identifying warning signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
- Strategies for fostering resilience and healthy coping mechanisms in team and classroom settings.
- Guidance on how to refer at‑risk youth to professional mental‑health services.
- Ongoing support through webinars, peer‑to‑peer forums, and access to state‑wide expert consultants.
Why the initiative matters for Indiana families
Indiana has seen a troubling rise in youth suicide rates over the past several years, a trend that has alarmed parents, faith leaders, and community advocates alike. By empowering trusted adults – coaches, teachers, and arts directors – the program aims to create a safety net that can intervene before a crisis escalates. This aligns with the state’s broader commitment to protecting families and upholding the sanctity of life.
Support from state officials
“Investing in mental‑health training for the adults who shape our children’s daily lives is a vital step toward safeguarding our youth,” said a spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Health. “The Coach Beyond expansion reflects our dedication to proactive, community‑based solutions that strengthen families and preserve life.”
Ball State’s role in the community
Ball State University has a long history of community engagement in central Indiana. The Coach Beyond program, launched several years ago, has already trained hundreds of coaches and educators across the state. With the new grant, the university expects to double the number of participants within the next two years, reaching more rural and underserved areas that have historically lacked access to specialized mental‑health resources.
Looking ahead
Although the grant does not specify a rollout timeline, university officials indicated that training sessions will begin in the spring semester, with the Indiana Coaching Resource Center becoming fully operational by the end of the calendar year. Community groups, school districts, and faith‑based organizations are encouraged to partner with Ball State to maximize the program’s reach.
For parents and guardians seeking immediate assistance, the Indiana Suicide Prevention Hotline remains available 24/7 at 1‑800‑273‑8255. The expanded Coach Beyond initiative promises to add another layer of support, reinforcing the state’s commitment to the mental‑well‑being of its youngest citizens.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
