Molina Healthcare of Nebraska and The MolinaCares Accord Announce $50,000 to Expand Youth Mental Health Program in Omaha Public Schools
Media Contact: Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com
OMAHA, Neb., October 28, 2026 – Molina Healthcare of Nebraska (“Molina”), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord, awarded a grant to The Kim Foundation for its Our Minds Matter Program (“OMM”) in Omaha Public Schools. The nationally recognized peer-to-peer mental health initiative empowers students to create supportive school environments, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, promote positive coping skills, and build resilience, social connectedness, and help-seeking behaviors.
The grant will allow The Kim Foundation to expand the program beyond its two current pilot sites to add an additional two schools. Of students surveyed in the program, 80% demonstrated improvement in at least one measured protective factor. At one high school, average social connectedness scores increased by 65%, while another saw a 34.65% increase.
“When students are struggling with their mental health, it can be hard for them to focus and be ready to learn,” said school counselor Rachelle Vidal. “Through Our Minds Matter, we see how powerful it can be when students have a place to connect, talk openly about mental health, and learn how to support themselves and their peers. These groups help break down the stigma around mental health and remind students that they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to ask for help. When students feel connected and supported, they’re better able to thrive in school and beyond.”
OMM is recognized by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center Best Practices Registry and has grown into a nationwide network of hundreds of student-led clubs. The need for these services is significant, as Mental Health America reports that 15.4% of youth ages 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
“Every young person deserves access to the support and resources they need to navigate mental health challenges and prevent suicide,” said Molly Mullin Verble, M.Ed., executive director of The Kim Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to Molina for investing in our school-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming in Omaha. Their support will help us expand our reach and empower more students to look out for and support one another in times of need.”
“This investment in our youth aligns with Molina’s holistic approach to wellness,” said Frank Clepper, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. “These students deserve the opportunity to succeed, and OMM gives them the tools they need to overcome the mental health obstacles preventing them from achieving their goals in school and in life.”
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About Molina Healthcare of Nebraska
Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Inc., provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through the Medicaid program in Nebraska. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare plans, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.