News Summary
Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia has officially begun construction on the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. The new facility, aimed at addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents, will provide an intensive outpatient program for child psychiatry, among other services. Funded largely by a $5 million pledge from golfer Kevin Kisner, the center is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, illustrating community-wide commitment to improving mental health infrastructure for youth in Augusta.
Augusta, GA – Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia has officially begun construction on the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness, a new facility designed to address the urgent need for mental health services among children and adolescents. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The center aims to consolidate various neurology and psychology services into a single location, offering an intensive outpatient program for child psychiatry. This initiative responds to a significant uptick in mental health challenges faced by young people, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and feelings of loneliness.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately 1 in 6 children in America are affected by treatable developmental disabilities, highlighting the necessity for specialized pediatric mental health services. The new facility will provide a wide range of offerings, including assessment and treatment for both mild behavioral issues and more complex diagnoses.
Wellstar Children’s has been offering many of these services in various capacities, but the establishment of the Kisner Center will create enhanced opportunities for collaboration among different specialties. This will promote comprehensive and timely care for children dealing with behavioral health issues, integrating services in a way that was not previously possible.
The project was largely funded through a pledge of over $5 million from professional golfer Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany, who is a speech pathologist. Their commitment to enhancing children’s well-being was further demonstrated with the establishment of the Kisner Foundation in 2016, which aims to foster partnerships with local charities and healthcare organizations to address issues related to child health.
The Kisner Foundation has a history of supporting pediatric initiatives, having previously donated $50,000 in 2020 to enhance a pediatric behavioral health care program. Their contributions extend to a variety of local causes, including support for the Mom’s Milk Program at University Hospital.
In addition to the Kisners, other contributors to the project include prominent organizations such as Norfolk Southern, Atlanta Gas Light, and the Walmart Community Foundation. These collaborative efforts illustrate a strong community commitment to improving mental health infrastructure for children in the Augusta area.
The establishment of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness is a timely addition to Augusta’s healthcare landscape, particularly as many families are increasingly seeking accessible and effective mental health care for their children. By consolidating services and expanding treatment options, Wellstar Children’s Hospital aims to play a crucial role in addressing the behavioral health needs of the region’s youth.
This new center represents not only a physical structure but also a significant step toward fostering a supportive environment where children can access the necessary resources to address their mental health challenges. As construction progresses, it is anticipated that this facility will become a cornerstone of pediatric behavioral health services in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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New Pediatric Behavioral Health Center Coming to Augusta
Kevin and Brittany Kisner Donate $5 Million to Children’s Health
Additional Resources
- Healthcare Design Magazine: Children’s Hospital of Georgia
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- WRDW: Health & Wellness Expo
- Google Search: Pediatric Mental Health
- AJC: Augusta Obesity Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- PR Newswire: Encompass Health and Piedmont
- Google News: Mental Health Services for Children
