John H. Stenger

Prescott resident John Stenger was interested in learning more about YRMC's Partners for Healthy Students program and specifically what our team considers our children's most urgent unmet healthcare need.

Amy Negovan, CNP, Partners for Healthy Students, did not hesitate before pointing to behavioral health as an unmet medical need for children. "The statistics are compelling," she said. "One in five children either currently or at some point will have a diagnosable emotional, behavioral or behavioral health disorder. Left untreated, behavioral health disorders can disrupt school performance, harm relationships and lead to suicide - the second leading cause of death among adolescents. And unfortunately, the ongoing stigma regarding these disorders inhibits adolescents and their families from seeking help."

Amy explained the sometimes undetected warning signs of anger, social withdrawal and/or persistent irritability. John's response to Amy was equally compelling: "I'd like to help address this issue."

Within weeks, John established the J. H. Stenger Fund to provide funding for behavioral health services. Further, he made a generous gift to provide seed money to enable the immediate development of the program. Offered as a matching gift opportunity, John's donation attracted widespread support among the members of the YRMC medical staff and employees, as well as community members and businesses.

YRMC has collaborative arrangements with area behavioral health providers to set up referral agreements and is providing services as of the 2019/2020 school year.

To make a matching donation to the Partners for Healthy Students behavioral health initiative, contact the YRMC Foundation office at (928) 771-5686 or [email protected].