Boston Children’s Hospital has announced plans to open a new 116-bed pediatric psychiatric facility, with significant funding from billionaire philanthropists Robert and Karen Hale. The Hales have donated $100 million to help fund the project, which will be located on the campus of Franciscan Children’s in Brighton—a site Boston Children’s acquired in 2023.
The new facility is expected to open in 2029 and will provide both inpatient and outpatient care for children struggling with a range of mental health conditions. In addition to treatment, the hospital will serve as a training center for future psychiatrists and psychologists.
Addressing the Growing Mental Health Crisis in Children
According to a 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children between the ages of three and 17 has been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Mental health conditions are now a leading cause of death among children, surpassing even cancer. Boston Children’s has referred to the rise in mental health issues as a “crisis,” highlighting the need for specialized care.
The Hales’ generous donation will help fund the $640 million project and secure naming rights for a building on the new campus.
Support for Families and Advanced Care Options
Dr. Stacy Drury, the psychiatrist-in-chief at Boston Children’s, will lead the new facility. She expressed her gratitude for the Hales’ donation, noting the urgent need for innovative care. “Every day, we see the courage of children facing anxiety, depression, and other challenges, and the love of the families who support them,” Dr. Drury said. “This gift will help us provide the care, compassion, and treatment that these children deserve.”…