Los Angeles children's hospital receives $25 million for mental health programs

A $25 million gift from the Tikun Olam Foundation launches the Stein Tikun Olam Early Connections Program at CHLA, pioneering infant-family mental health care nationwide.

In a remarkable act of philanthropy, the Tikun Olam Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles has awarded Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) a transformative gift of $25 million. This donation, courtesy of Mindy and Gene Stein, aims to establish the Stein Tikun Olam Early Connections Program, a pioneering initiative dedicated to providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive infant-family mental health services.

This visionary program is designed to support infants and toddlers receiving specialty medical care at CHLA. It focuses on providing universal, hospital-wide services, making CHLA a leader in developing models for infant-family mental health care. The program will not only enhance the mental well-being of young patients with complex medical conditions but also empower their families to build stronger bonds.

Under the leadership of Marian Williams, PhD, and Melissa Carson, PsyD, the Stein Tikun Olam Early Connections Program will also expand training for CHLA's multidisciplinary workforce. This comprehensive approach ensures that healthcare providers are well-equipped to address the unique mental health needs of young patients. Moreover, the program aims to disseminate this cutting-edge care model to other children's hospitals across the nation, paving the way for broader impact.

The generosity of Mindy and Gene Stein is unprecedented in CHLA's history, marking the largest donation ever dedicated to early childhood mental health. Paul S. Viviano, CEO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, expressed gratitude to the Steins, highlighting their gift as a pivotal moment in enhancing care for the youngest and most vulnerable patients. This philanthropic effort underscores the importance of mental health support for families navigating complex medical situations.

The establishment of the Stein Tikun Olam Early Connections Program is a testament to the power of giving and community support. It not only reflects the Steins' commitment to improving mental health outcomes but also serves as a model for future philanthropic efforts focused on early childhood development. As CHLA moves forward with this pioneering initiative, it sets a precedent for prioritizing mental health care in pediatric settings.

This significant donation aligns with broader trends in philanthropy, where donors increasingly focus on impactful, long-term projects rather than short-term solutions. The Tikun Olam Foundation's gift embodies this approach by targeting systemic change in mental health care for infants and young children. By leveraging such large-scale gifts, institutions like CHLA can drive meaningful changes that benefit communities far beyond their immediate surroundings.

In the context of gifting and giving, the Steins' donation exemplifies the transformative potential of private philanthropy in shaping public health solutions. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between donors, foundations, and healthcare institutions in addressing pressing societal needs. As the Stein Tikun Olam Early Connections Program unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting legacy in the field of pediatric mental health care.