A new standard for mental health and a new chapter of hope

Mental health is one of the defining challenges, and opportunities, of our time. Every day, I meet families whose lives have been touched by depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, or other mental health conditions. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story that matters.

That is why I am so inspired by the momentum we are seeing across Indiana to transform mental health care through innovation, partnership, and philanthropy.

Recently, IU Health launched the Treatment-Resistant Depression Program, a first-of-its-kind coordinated outpatient model designed to help individuals who have not found relief through traditional therapies. Made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Stan and Allison Chen, along with a dollar-for-dollar match from IU Health, this program is creating a new pathway of hope for patients and families facing some of the most complex forms of depression.

What makes this model so powerful is its focus on the whole person. Rather than asking patients to navigate a fragmented system on their own, the program brings together psychiatry, psychology, care coordination, and personalized treatment planning in a seamless, team-based approach. It is built on national best practices and designed to provide the clarity, support, and connection patients deserve.

As a healthcare philanthropy leader, I often say that philanthropy gives us the opportunity to accelerate what is possible. This is a remarkable example.

The need could not be more urgent. We know that mental health challenges often begin early in life, and too many individuals struggle for years before finding the right care. We also know that many patients with severe or treatment-resistant depression do not respond to traditional approaches. That reality challenges us to think differently, act boldly, and invest in innovative models that can change lives.

One story that continues to inspire me is that of mental health advocate Jon Nelson. After years of living with severe depression and exhausting countless treatment options, Jon experienced a life-changing breakthrough through Deep Brain Stimulation. Today, he shares his story to help others understand that healing is possible and that hope remains, even in the darkest moments.

His journey reminds us why this work matters.

Innovation matters. Research matters. Compassion matters. And perhaps most importantly, hope matters.

This new program represents more than a clinical advancement. It reflects what can happen when visionary donors, healthcare leaders, clinicians, and advocates come together around a shared belief: that every person deserves access to the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

We still have work to do. But moments like this remind me that real transformation happens when we choose to lead with urgency, compassion, and vision.

Together, we are building a future where more individuals and families can find healing, where mental health care is more connected and accessible, and where hope is always within reach.