EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - Superior HealthPlan celebrated its 25th anniversary by awarding a $25,000 grant to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) El Paso to support the mental health needs of children in the area. Superior HealthPlan is a leading managed care organization in Texas and a company of Centene Corporation, Superior said in a news release. “Since 1999, Superior has provided health care to Texans in need,” Mark Sanders, president and CEO of Superior HealthPlan said. “And to celebrate 25 years of serving local communities, we are proud to present NAMI El Paso with this special anniversary grant award that will help them support the El Paso community and continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of Texans.” Superior has provided over $600,000 in grant funding to hundreds of community organizations and providers since 2020, helping support some of the most vulnerable populations in the state, Superior said. The Superior HealthPlan Anniversary Grant Award, the first of its kind, offered community organizations and schools across Texas an opportunity to apply for funding. An internal committee then identified ten finalists, and the winning organization was selected by employees. “We are grateful to be the recipient of this grant as Superior HealthPlan celebrates their 25th anniversary in Texas,” Isidro Torres, executive director of NAMI El Paso said. “We are excited to be able to expand our work in education for youth mental health as well as support individuals and families through their mental health journey.” Superior said NAMI El Paso has widened its influence since opening its doors in 1986, evolving from a small grassroots group into a vital part of the community's mental health support system. NAMI El Paso offers programs designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, including peer-led support groups, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives. "With the funding, NAMI El Paso will expand its reach among El Paso-area youth with free, evidence-based, 50-minute learning sessions designed for middle and high school students," read the news release. "These sessions will serve as a targeted opportunity to teach youth about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos, and personal testimony from a young adult who describes their mental health journey and empowers others to do the same." Superior said the anniversary grant initiative was in addition to other grant awards the company provides each year. Organizations and providers are invited to apply for $10,000 grants, which will be awarded in April 2025. The application deadline is March 31, 2025. Visit SuperiorHealthPlan.com/grants to learn more.