Researchers receive $125K from Jewish Heritage Fund to plan adolescent crisis stabilization services

Sara Choate, PhD, Assistant Professor, and Brian Schaefer, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, received a one-year, $125,000 grant from the Jewish Heritage Fund. The aim of the project is to engage community partners in planning a 23-hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization Services space for adolescents and families that would improve access to person-centered, community-based, and culturally responsive 24/7 behavioral health services.

The research team will be engaging different community members and groups, including caregivers of adolescents and children who have behavioral health needs, adolescents with lived experience, and providers, leaders, and advocates from across the crisis care continuum. Activities include analyzing existing health needs assessment data, conducting interviews and focus groups, convening a youth advisory board, and regular workgroup meetings with behavioral health providers and responders. The planning process, which will continue until January 2026, will examine design, services, safety, operations, workforce, costs, and partnerships needed for future implementation. 

To learn more about the project or ways to participate in the planning process, please contact Dr. Sara Choate at 502-852-6441 or sara.choate@louisville.edu.