Grant supports, nourishes Nexus’ mission

By Emily Walsh

Nexus Recovery Center announced this week it was awarded a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families (HKHF) grant by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). The HKHF funding will support BCBSTX’s commitment to community-based organizations supporting children and families who have been impacted by the health, economic, and social implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nexus’ Continuum of Care provides a comprehensive, gender-specific trauma-informed treatment program for women as well as specialty therapies, education and care for their children. Our holistic focus includes basic needs support, prenatal/postnatal care, childcare and nutritious meals as well as case management, parenting education and life skills, so women can rebuild their lives and those of their children.

The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the demand for mental and behavioral health services, which are essential and needed now more than ever. Overdoses are at an all-time high and women are reporting greater mental health symptoms alongside increased substance use. The rising rates of substance use disorders in women greatly affects the lives of their children, who face numerous physical, mental, and behavioral risks without intervention, including removal from their mothers. 

Through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative, Nexus seeks to provide services that meet the individualized needs of women and their children, so that they can heal as a family, regardless of ability to pay.  

“Nexus Recovery Center is extremely thankful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for this grant,” said Heather Ormand, CEO of Nexus Recovery Center. “This grant is not only an investment in Nexus Recovery Center and our services, but it is an investment in our community — in North Texas women and their families pursuing recovery.”

The HKHF program — which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management and supporting safe environments — has awarded $14 million in funding and impacted the lives of close to three million children and their families in Texas. For more information, visit nexusrecovery.org.