Irsay family's donation to Riley Children's Foundation will expand mental health services for kids and teens

Indianapolis Star - 1/4/2022

Colts owner Jim Irsay and his family announced a partnership with Riley Children's Health on Tuesday to expand the Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth ("Be Happy"). The program improves access to mental health services for children and adolescents in Indiana.

The family donated $650,000 to the Riley Children's Foundation as part of Kicking the Stigma, the family's mental health initiative.

"The expansion of this program will provide a lifeline to children and families facing behavioral health emergencies," said Dr. Leslie Hulvershorn, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Riley Children's Health and interim co-chair of psychiatry at IU School of Medicine. "We are incredibly grateful to the Irsays and the Colts for championing this cause."

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The "Be Happy" program allows any Indiana healthcare provider who works with children or teens to call a free phone line to talk with one of Riley's child and adolescent psychiatrists to help get answers to questions.

The Irsay family's gift will expand the program to offer psychiatric assessments and therapy for children and teens who don't have access to resources.

"Mental health is a challenge for so many, but it's become more and more of an issue for young people across our state and country," said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. "The Be Happy program is a win-win in that children benefit from quick access to Riley expertise and don't have to wait to be seen or travel for care."

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