Building the Bridge Initiative

What is Building the Bridge?

Word cloud including words like program, school, social, PATH, improving, readiness, family, attention, and start wellbeing

Building the Bridge is CYDI’s initiative to identify barriers to access for children and families in need and resources that are available, as well as determine ways to work together with key community stakeholders to strengthen the youth mental health care infrastructure in Central Alabama.


Become a Community Partner

we need you

It takes a community to build a stronger system, and we want your help in doing that! Local stakeholders, including community leaders, mental health care professionals, school personnel, and parents are welcome and encouraged to get involved with the Building the Bridge initiative!

Becoming a community partner with CYDI will keep you informed about future workshops, events, resources, and research. Additionally, community partners can team up with CYDI for working with us on future work (research, helping host community events, etc.)


Contact Shane Jones at jones178@ua.edu if you are interested in learning more about the initiative, joining our email listserv, or attending our next meeting!

Why is Building the Bridge Important? There is a need for improved and strengthened infrastructure in Central Alabama. 49.5% of children and adolescents experience mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18. There are only 13.6 psychologists per 10000 children in Tuscaloosa County.