Following World Mental Health Day earlier this month, the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute joined the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. for the past 44 years, and the Jewish Heritage Fund, to announce the grand opening of the new Health and Well-being Center at Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park of Kentucky.
The milestone was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park.
The new Health and Well-being Center introduces a mental health education component to JA Finance Park’s interactive learning model. The space will help students connect financial literacy with emotional well-being and discover practical ways to prioritize mental health as part of their overall wellness.
“This learning hub represents a powerful step toward closing the knowledge gap around youth mental health,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “By integrating mental wellness into financial literacy and career planning, we’re helping students build the tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.”
The Health and Well-being Center will engage nearly 10,000 middle and high school students annually, offering hands-on activities that help students:
- Understand emotional well-being and mental health
- Create personalized self-care plans
- Explore careers in mental health
- Connect with local community resources for support
The initiative responds to a growing need in youth mental health education. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health condition each year. Yet, Kentucky and Indiana do not currently require mental health in the states’ K-12 curriculum. The Health and Well-being Center aims to normalize mental health conversations and empower students to seek help when needed.
“As physicians and scientists, we have the privilege of helping people find not just health, but purpose,” said Adam Kaplin, a neuropsychiatrist and research affiliate of the Envirome Institute. “Integrating mental well-being into Junior Achievement’s Finance Park is groundbreaking – it shows students that caring for the mind is every bit as essential as caring for the body or managing one’s finances. At UofL’s Envirome Institute, we’re proud to support this effort to help the next generation understand that mental health is central to thriving, not just surviving.”
Each of the four partner organizations played a vital role in bringing the center to life. Humana Inc. led the strategic build and design, Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute contributed expertise in environmental and emotional wellness, and both the Humana Foundation and Jewish Heritage Fund provided strategic funding and a vision to advance equitable health outcomes for Louisville’s youth.
“Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, setting the stage for lifelong benefits,” said Jeff Polson, president and CEO of the Jewish Heritage Fund. “We are grateful for Humana’s leadership on this initiative with Junior Achievement to help Louisville’s youth build a strong foundation for future success.”
