East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Mental Health Initiative Fund

Mental Health Awareness: 1 in 5 children struggle with mental health issues

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the children in our community need our help. In 2023, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital saw over 1,600 children with mental health disorders, and the numbers are rising each year. We need more providers as the necessity of care for these children increases. Medical help is not easily accessible to everyone. Nearly 14% of youth with behavioral health issues are not covered by private insurance.

To help fill the gaps and build a brighter future for these children, Children’s Hospital is investing in licensed clinical social workers. Help us expand our mental health program and donate today to make an impact on a child in our community.

Dr. Suzanne Rybczynski, Chief Medical Officer at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, speaks about the mental health issues facing children in our area.

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Community in Crisis

Mental Health in Children

Thank you for helping us take care of our future, one child at a time.

1 in 5 children struggle with mental health concerns

19% of all children in the state have seriously considered suicide

Most commonly diagnosed disorders in children:

ADHD
Anxiety
Behavior problems
Depression

Children with mental disorders seen in East Tennessee Children's Hospital Emergency Department: 1,600 in 2023

What Children's Hospital is doing

Universal screenings for all inpatients 12 years and older

Cognitive behavior therapies at every Children's Hospital location

In 2022, partnered with Helen Ross McNabb Center to open onsite Crisis Stabilization Unit, the first in the state

What Your Dollars Can Support

Helen Ross McNabb Center Telemedicine Program at ETCH primary care offices

Immediate patients needs and family support, including safe clothing

Developmentally appropriate activities for patients

Comprehensive mental health assessment tools

"As someone who has made it their life's work to make people feel gorgeous on the outside, it is equally important to me that people also feel beautiful on the inside. That's why it is my honor to, once again, work with the amazing team at East Tennessee Children's Hospital during Mental Health Awareness Month. With the help of our amazing guests, grow will be donating a portion of our sales to Children's Hospital's Mental Health Initiative Fund as part of our grow Gives Back initiative throughout May. This will allow continued support to those who need it most. I am thrilled to be even a small part of that huge success!"

-- Shane Archer, Owner of grow knoxville - a Shane Archer Concept Salon