(Courtesy of Project Ezrah) Over the last few years there has been an undeniable increase in the need for better access to mental health care. This trend is national, but we see the real effects of the issue hit home in Bergen County. There are many reasons why our community is finding it difficult to access care. Two primary reasons are the cost and the availability of practitioners. Due to the burdensome nature of health insurance, mental health care is often left to the patient to fund. Additionally, because of the increased need, the pool of practitioners has become smaller, making it difficult to find the right care. These are just a few of the potential reasons our community is facing this crisis, and we are sure many members of our community have experienced these and other challenges to accessing mental health care.

To address these challenges, Project Ezrah is launching Ezrah L’Nefesh, Helping Minds. The goal of this new initiative is to help families access both appropriate practitioners and financial assistance when needed.

Ezrah L’Nefesh is kicking off this initiative with a Shavuot Learn-a-Thon, where students can have donors sponsor them in a night of learning in support of those who struggle to sleep at night due to unmet mental health needs. Students of all ages are welcome to participate and will be entered into a raffle where they have the chance to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards.

Many families will find the sponsorship forms sent home with their children from school, or given to them by their shul youth department. If you would like to submit a form online or download a PDF with information, visit ezrah.org/ezrah-lnefesh or scan the QR code in the ad. If you have any questions or would like to involve your school or shul, contact [email protected].