$25K grant helps Savannah Girl Scouts strengthen girls’ mental health programs

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A local Girl Scouts program focused on mental wellness is getting a boost from a new grant from Memorial Health and the HCA Healthcare Foundation.

Officials announced Thursday that the HCA Healthcare Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant through its Healthier Tomorrow Fund to the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia council to expand its Mental Wellness patch programs for girls across the region. The announcement comes as the organization marks its anniversary. The Girl Scouts were founded in Savannah on March 12, 1912, by Juliet Gordon Low.

Memorial Health leaders say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people. CEO Brad Talbert said the HCA Healthcare Foundation has long supported the Girl Scouts nationally and locally, and the grant continues that effort.

The mental wellness patch programs help girls build emotional awareness and coping skills through initiatives such as Knowing My Emotions, Finding My Voice, and Showing Up for Me and You. Developed with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Girl Scouts advisors, the program has awarded more than 20,000 patches nationwide.

Girl Scouts leaders say the funding will allow more girls across the Historic Georgia council to participate in the mental wellness program.