Valvoline just stepped up to the plate in a major way for Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens.
The automotive giant is tackling a crisis that hits close to home for countless American families.
And Valvoline made one remarkable decision that will help save countless lives in Kentucky.
Major corporation puts money where its mouth is on mental health
Mental health has become a major crisis in America, particularly among our youth. The statistics are alarming, with suicide rates among young people continuing to climb across the country.
While many corporations talk about supporting mental health initiatives, Lexington-based Valvoline Inc. is actually doing something substantial about it.
The quick lube and preventative maintenance leader announced a significant partnership with KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kentucky to bring more suicide prevention efforts to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
“At Valvoline Inc., we care about the communities we serve, and one issue that nearly every community is struggling with is youth mental health issues,” said Lori Flees, Valvoline Inc. President & CEO. “When we learned of the shortage in clinicians trained in suicide prevention, we knew we had to help. We are proud to support KVC Kentucky as they work to provide suicide prevention care to more children throughout Kentucky.”
The timing couldn’t be more appropriate, as the partnership was launched during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Training that will make a real difference
Valvoline’s donation isn’t just a token contribution. It’s targeted at a specific evidence-based approach that has proven results.
The funds will provide Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) training for KVC Kentucky clinicians. Through this partnership, 53 master’s level clinicians across the state will receive this specialized training.
But Valvoline didn’t stop there. The company’s contribution will also provide long-term sustainability of the model by funding three licensed practitioners to become CAMS trainers for KVC Kentucky.
This means the impact of their donation will continue to multiply for years to come as these trainers educate more clinicians across the state.
What makes this training so important?
CAMS isn’t just another mental health seminar. It’s an evidence-based therapeutic framework specifically designed to assess and manage suicidality through a compassionate, collaborative approach between clinicians and clients.
By equipping mental health professionals with these specialized skills, KVC Kentucky will increase their capacity to provide effective suicide prevention care and support to individuals and families facing significant mental health challenges.
The training provides professionals with effective strategies to assess and treat individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, supporting safer, more compassionate care.
Making an impact across Kentucky
KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kentucky isn’t a small operation. The nonprofit organization strengthens families, prevents child abuse and neglect, and helps children and adults achieve mental wellness across a substantial portion of the Commonwealth.
Each year, KVC serves more than 20,000 children and families across eight regions of the state. The CAMS training will be completed by clinicians providing behavioral healthcare, crisis intervention, and family strengthening services across KVC’s services in 81 counties in Kentucky.
That means Valvoline’s contribution will potentially touch lives in every corner of the state.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Valvoline Inc. for their invaluable partnership in funding our suicide prevention training program,” said Gina Klyachkin, LCSW, President of KVC Kentucky. “Their commitment not only empowers us to save lives but also fosters a community where understanding, hope and support thrive for youth and their families.”
Part of a broader commitment
This initiative isn’t just a one-off for Valvoline. It’s part of their newly launched “Happy to Help” community impact and charitable giving program focused specifically on youth health and mental well-being.
With more than 2,000 service centers across the United States and Canada and 11,000 team members, Valvoline has the reach and resources to make a significant difference in the communities they serve.
The CAMS training is expected to begin in Fall 2025, but the impact of this partnership could be felt for generations as more clinicians become equipped with the tools they need to help those in crisis.
In a time when corporate “social responsibility” often amounts to little more than woke virtue signaling, Valvoline’s concrete action to address the mental health crisis affecting Kentucky’s youth and families stands out as a model for how businesses can make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
