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Sister's Tragedy Fuels Mental Health Revolution
13 Jul
Summary
- Christena Huntsman leads a mental health initiative inspired by her sister.
- The University of Utah has become a global epicenter for mental illness treatment.
- A $150 million donation from the Huntsman Family Foundation is key.
Christena Huntsman is leading a significant mental health initiative, profoundly influenced by her sister Kathleen's struggles with mental illness and addiction. This endeavor seeks to fundamentally alter perceptions and treatments of mental health conditions.
The University of Utah is rapidly becoming a world-leading hub for mental healthcare. Major facilities include a 162-bed psychiatric hospital, the Gardner Mental Health Crisis Center, and the nearly completed Utah Mental Health Translational Research Center. These advancements have materialized over the past seven years, supported by various benefactors.
The inspiration traces back to the Huntsman sisters, Christena and Kathleen. Kathleen's life was tragically cut short in 2010 due to an overdose, exacerbated by untreated mental illness and addiction. Her family initially kept her struggles private due to immense stigma.
Following her father's challenge to confront the 'cancer of their generation,' Christena made a pivotal $150 million donation in 2020 from the Huntsman Family Foundation to the University of Utah Health. This gift, coupled with the addition of the "Huntsman" name to the institute, has significantly boosted destigmatization efforts.
Christena now serves as CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, dedicating herself to advancing mental healthcare. She aims to provide early intervention and transform how society views and treats mental illness, driven by the personal loss of her sister.
