DAYTON, Ohio-Dayton Children’s Hospital broke ground on its $110 million behavioral health building, addressing the pressing need for mental health resources for children. The new facility, doubling the space for behavioral health patients by 2025, received significant funding from the American Rescue Plan and a $2 million donation from CareSource.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, emphasized the critical role of mental health services in the community, with personal stories underscoring the urgency of the issue. Dr. Kelly Blankenship, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health, highlighted the alarming increase in children seeking treatment for behavioral health crises, stressing the importance of expanding outpatient services and intensive therapy to prevent readmissions. The event also featured testimonies from teens involved in the Fairmont Hope Squad, further illustrating the need for accessible mental health support for youth.
