As announced on October 9, 2023, during the annual Kaleidoscope event benefiting the health system’s mental health services. The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation is behind this substantial donation which is intended to bolster the preeminent establishment in pediatric research and mental healthcare, with the goal of addressing the escalating crisis impacting the younger generation in the United States.

Steve Davis, MD, MMM, the president and CEO, emphasized the urgent need to address the surge in youth anxiety, depression, and suicide. The foundation’s substantial contribution will provide essential resources to increase access to care and advance critical research.

Cincinnati Children’s has a long-standing commitment to improving child and adolescent mental health, and this generous gift will further accelerate and broaden their efforts. The institute’s goal is to transform how young patients and their families deal with mental health challenges by enhancing access to behavioral health services and creating a family navigation system.

The support from The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation will enable Cincinnati Children’s to increase access to quality mental healthcare and implement early interventions, ultimately helping children achieve their full potential. The institute’s achievement is anticipated to become a worldwide exemplar for integrated mental and behavioral healthcare.

The new Mental and Behavioral Health Institute will streamline organizational efforts, integrating divisions such as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Collaboration across these divisions and in-depth research will play a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes and early detection of mental health issues.

Cincinnati Children’s is actively searching for a distinguished leader in pediatric mental, behavioral, and developmental health to serve as the institute’s director, further propelling excellence in clinical care, education, research and advocacy.

Across the nation, young people are facing unparalleled mental health difficulties, giving rise to apprehensions among parents and caregivers. The institute aims to bridge the gap between mental healthcare and other medical services, embedding mental health professionals in primary care clinics and expanding training for pediatric clinicians. Additionally, a network of family navigators and school liaisons will be established to connect patients with vital resources.

The institute’s mission is ongoing, with key objectives including reducing mental health emergency visits and hospitalization rates, reducing instances of students missing school due to mental health issues, eradicating youth suicide in the area, and guaranteeing fair access to healthcare for every child.

Achieving these goals will require continuous innovation, dedicated professionals, and sustained funding commitments. Cincinnati Children’s acknowledges the importance of community partnerships and support in addressing the mental health crisis, marking the beginning of this vital mission. Cooperation with community groups, educational institutions, benefactors, and the broader community is crucial to accomplishing these goals.