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Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health welcomed Kentucky’s 58th Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman to its administrative and residential campus in Devou Park in Covington on July 17. Known for her service as an educator and politician, Coleman is also the founder and president of Lead Kentucky, a nonprofit organization focused on education reform and ensuring Kentucky's college women are prepared, encouraged, and empowered to seek leadership positions on their campuses and professionally.

During her visit to CHNK, Coleman met with CHNK executive staff to learn about the organization’s work in Northern Kentucky and throughout the region. Staff shared how CHNK is addressing needs upstream specific to mental health care services when and where they are needed and highlighted key partnerships with fellow community institutions and organizations. CHNK thanked Coleman for her service to the Commonwealth and for her advocacy in addressing youth mental health issues. As part of her work as lieutenant governor, she has been an exceptional advocate and partnered with students and education leaders to bring more than $42 million in federal funding for programs such as access to school-based mental health services.

“It is absolutely refreshing to see our local and state legislators advocating for an easier path to mental health in this current moment where youth and families are struggling significantly,” said Rick Wurth, CEO of CHNK. “CHNK has been nurtured and supported by the current administration and by our local elected officials in ways that transcend ‘politics as usual,’ resulting in Kentucky youth and families receiving services when and where they are needed.”

CHNK looks forward to continuing the conversation about partnering with Coleman’s office on youth mental health, drawing on its deep experience in providing unique services through best practices. In particular, CHNK hopes to assist with the Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing project to which Coleman was appointed, with Kentucky as one of only six states named to lead the way.

CHNK is the only licensed provider of psychiatric residential facility treatment in the Northern Bluegrass Region of the Commonwealth and the first organization to implement the internationally-known Sanctuary Model of Trauma Informed Care in Kentucky. Additionally, the nonprofit was the first mental health provider in the state to partner with a public school district to provide an on-site therapeutic day school, with the goal of diverting at-risk youth from court systems, juvenile justice institutions, and out-of-home care. 

For the first time in its nearly 150-year history, CHNK requested and received $6 million in support from the 2024-26 budget of the Commonwealth to advance its mission to create an easier path mental health for youth and families.

CHNK takes its work seriously as a critical asset to the health of Kentucky communities and the region and looks forward to continued partnerships with the public and private sectors.

Established in 1882, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health is a regional leader in serving individuals who have experienced mental health disorders, addiction, abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Through a combination of outpatient and residential services, CHNK’s 140 health care professionals take a trauma-informed and family-focused approach to treatment, annually impacting more than 3,000 individuals and providing more than 30,000 services. For more information, visit www.chnk.org or call 1-844-YES-CHNK (1-844-937-2465) for treatment services.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, right, visited with CHNK's CEO Rick Wurth, left, and other members of the organization's staff on Wednesday, July 17.

Kentucky's lieutenant governor visits CHNK

—Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/

 CEO Rick Wurth has been named to Leadership Kentucky’s 2024 class.

Wurth is among 52 Kentuckians named to the class that, according to Leadership Kentucky’s 

, will consist of seven, three-day sessions hosted in different areas across the state from June through December. Participants will learn more about the Commonwealth’s unique challenges, opportunities and resources as they meet and hear from a variety of Kentucky leaders. Session topics will include business and economic development, arts and tourism, natural resources and the environment, education, healthcare, social issues, agriculture and government.

“It’s an honor to be part of this diverse group, each of whom shares the common interest of improving their skills in leading people, organizations and missions to benefit Kentuckians,” said Wurth. “I’m looking forward to forging new connections and learning from different perspectives and sectors so I can bring thoughtful ideas back to my colleagues and better serve the people who turn to CHNK in some of their most challenging times.”

CHNK provides mental and behavioral health services, as well as treatment for substance use disorders, for children, teens, adults, and families across Kentucky and the tri-state region. A Paducah native, Wurth served as CHNK’s development director from 2010-2012 before his promotion to CEO. In his 12 years at the helm, the organization has added addiction treatment, intensive outpatient services, day treatment/partial hospitalization, psychiatric residential treatment and medication management, individual and family therapy, and a therapeutic day school operated in partnership with Covington Independent Public Schools. Additionally, CHNK’s annual revenue has increased fourfold, and client and family impacts have grown 434% in the last decade.

"Many areas of Kentucky, our region and our country are experiencing critical shortages of providers while the need is greater than ever,” said Wurth. “I am confident the valuable lessons I’ll learn with Leadership Kentucky will result in even more inclusive, innovative and inspiring care for the wide variety of people CHNK serves.”

Wurth is also one of eleven state commissioners serving on the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights which enforces the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. Appointed in 2021 by Governor Andy Beshear, Wurth represents the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Sixth District. CHNK was the first Kentucky organization to achieve certification in the 

 and is the only entity in Kentucky to have achieved the highest certification from the National Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its culturally competent care of LGBTQ+ youth and families. CHNK has also been recognized by 

 for its work toward gender equity within its leadership structures.

Since 1880, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health has been a regional leader in serving individuals who have experienced mental health disorders, addiction, abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Through a combination of outpatient and residential services, CHNK’s 140 health care professionals take a trauma-informed and family-focused approach to treatment, annually impacting more than 3,000 individuals and providing more than 30,000 services. For more information, visit 

 or call 1-844-YES-CHNK (1-844-937-2465) for treatment services.

Chief Philanthropy and External Relations Officer

CHNK CEO named to 2024 Leadership Kentucky class

CHNK CEO Rick Wurth sits down with the Cincy Lifestyle team to share CHNK's history and the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Cincy Lifestyle interviews Rick Wurth

CHNK's board chair Jeffrey Sackenheim pens a letter of thanks to NKY's elected officials for their support of the organization's intent to improve access to mental health care.

Public-private partnership driving mental health supports

CHNK CEO Rick Wurth joined Sarah Brookbank on the May 14, 2024 edition of NKY Spotlight, a podcast of the NKY Chamber. His interview begins around the 8-minute mark.

Rick Wurth featured on NKY Spotlight podcast

Connection is a funny thing, isn’t it? Our world is arguably better connected than ever, and our day-to-day lives can be mostly managed from a device in the palm of our hands. Control plus connection equals comfort . . . right?

Unfortunately, the same technology that can offer support and mobilize resources during a crisis can also make us feel more isolated than ever. We can easily text or call someone on the other side of the world, yet it only takes a glance at social media to realize we weren’t invited to a friend’s party down the street.

Loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern, and in a single year during the COVID-19 pandemic, 40,000 Kentuckians aged 12-17 received a diagnosis of depression; nearly 40% went without care.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take a moment to commit to our theme, “Time to Check In,” 

. While this month serves a wonderful purpose in raising awareness, mental health requires support and attention 24/7/365. Below are Mental Health Awareness Month resources that could prove to be helpful any day of the year:

Remember: Working on your mental health takes time and dedication – and not just during the month of May! Lean on CHNK as a trusted resource all year long to help yourself and the people you care about as we navigate the complexities of our ultra-connected world.

CHNK recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month with a wealth of resources, including 

 for ways to effectively and sensitively check in with yourself and those around you.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2024

For nearly 145 years, CHNK Behavioral Health has evolved to address the changing needs of the Commonwealth, and for the last few decades, CHNK has provided world-class outpatient and residential care treatment services for some of Kentucky’s most vulnerable youth and families.

Now, for the first time in our history, CHNK needs your support as we request a one-time $19 million investment from the Commonwealth of Kentucky 

 double the number of young people served by CHNK 

in some of Kentucky’s most underserved communities, where there are more than 4,000 citizens for every one mental healthcare professional.

Please contact the following leaders of the House and Senate Budget Conference Committee and ask them to, “Please support CHNK Behavioral Health’s one-time request for $19 million in the 2024 appropriations bill.”

·         Rep. David Osborne,  

Call 1-800 372-7181 and ask to leave this message with a legislator’s office. Indicate the legislator you want to contact and ask them to, “Please support CHNK Behavioral Health’s one-time request for $19 million in the 2024 appropriations bill.”

CHNK needs your help!

CHNK Behavioral Health is supportive of Kentucky HB682, an Act relating to the Kentucky IAN Alert System providing public notification through the use of media providers and highway signs when a child is missing and in physical danger.

This legislation will be helpful in promoting awareness for youth in need and highlighting the challenges that can often accompany that care.

Statement in Support of Kentucky HB682

Unique furniture keeps kids safe on their journeys to well-being

Funds to support expanded access to mental health services, including in schools

—Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) recently renewed a $20,000 grant to Covington-based Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health (CHNK) to support expansion of mental health services for Kentuckians and residents of the tri-state area. 

"We couldn’t be more thankful for GCF’s continued belief in our work to increase access to critical mental health services for children, teens, and families,” said Rick Wurth, Chief Executive Officer of CHNK. “Our team literally works around the clock to address the mental health crisis we’re facing as a country, state, and region. Ongoing support from organizations like GCF proves that we’re not alone in our commitment to creating better futures and easier paths to mental health.” 

The renewal follows GCF’s $20,000 grant to CHNK in 2022 through the foundation’s 

, designed to “support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, launch a new program, or build organizational capacity.” 

A portion of GCF’s previous funding to CHNK — which totals more than $100,000 since 2020 — enabled the nonprofit to expand its school-based day treatment programming, pairing intensive therapy with academic instruction for students struggling with aggression, impulse control, depression, or suicidal thoughts. As one of the most requested and rising-in-demand services in the region, CHNK’s school-based services help students overcome barriers to receiving treatment, such as scheduling and transportation challenges. 

“This funding supports our entire continuum of care, including traditional individual therapy and our full range of intensive services, all of which play a vital role in reducing the risk of acute hospitalization or residential stays,” said Adam Roland, LCSW-S, MSSW, Vice President of Outpatient Services for CHNK. “From 2022 to 2023, we’ve increased outpatient services by 80% and expanded community partnerships to reach rural and underserved populations, including in Grant and Carroll counties. GCF’s renewal will ensure we’re able to continue improving access to critical mental health care.” 

, undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately treated mental illness can significantly interfere with a student’s learning, growth, and development. And because one in six youth have a mental health condition but only half receive services, providing convenient, effective intervention and treatment during the school day is key to helping students who may otherwise lack access to care. 

“We are excited to continue this partnership with CHNK,” said Adison Nelson, Director of Community Strategies at GCF. "As connected partners working towards the common goal of creating a more equitable and vibrant region, we are proud to support their work in improving mental health and well-being for their clients.” 

Established in 1882, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health is a regional leader in serving individuals who have experienced mental health disorders, addiction, abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Through a combination of outpatient and residential services, CHNK’s 140 health care professionals take a trauma-informed and family-focused approach to treatment, annually impacting more than 3,000 individuals and providing more than 30,000 services. For more information, visit 

 (1-844-937-2465) for treatment services. 

As the region’s leading community foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects people with purpose in an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. GCF is leading the charge toward a more vibrant and equitable Greater Cincinnati for everyone – now, and for generations to come. 

Vice President of Advancement and External Relations 

CHNK gets renewed $20k GCF grant to support behavioral health services

Rick Wurth navigates ‘An Easier Path to Mental Health’ for children and families of Kentucky

Covington, KY—Covington-based Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky/CHNK Behavioral Health (CHNK) has been awarded a $150,000 grant from Interact for Health, a leading nonprofit health organization serving Greater Cincinnati.

 “We are thrilled to be partnering with CHNK," said Kate Schroder, president and CEO of Interact for Health. "In response to the growing youth mental health crisis, they continue to show up with compassion and unwavering commitment, finding ways to expand and adapt services to meet the needs of children and families.” 

The Interact for Health grant comes as Kentucky experiences a mental health crisis, where 15 percent of youth ages 12-17 have had at least one major depressive episode in the last year and only 59 percent received care—leaving as many as 30,000 young Kentuckians without support.* Additionally, all 120 Kentucky counties have a shortage of mental health care professionals, resulting in long wait times for treatment.** 

"Like us, Interact for Health recognizes the critical need for increased mental health support in our region,” said Rick Wurth, CEO of CHNK. “The generous support of Interact for Health’s board will help us expand access to the types of critical outpatient services that educators, health care providers, local and state officials and others are depending on and that CHNK can provide.” 

"Treatment of mental health and substance use disorders is complex and requires a continuum of services and evidence-based programs with credentialed providers," Wurth said. "With youth and their families’ well-being at the core of everything we do, CHNK is committed to treating and bolstering mental health and resiliency to improve overall quality of life for the people in our region.”

CHNK Behavioral Health awarded $150,000 from Interact for Health

Brent Pieper, Chief Philanthropy and External Relations Officer

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