Highlighting the mental health challenges facing Indiana youth, the 2024 Indiana Mental Health Roundtable Summit, in partnership with Riley Children’s Health, was held at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Downtown on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. This year’s summit attracted more than 400 participants, including Indiana community leaders, mental health professionals, youth leaders and state officials.
Hosted by the Sagamore Institute, the summit is part of the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable’s (IMHR) mission to be a catalyst for change to improve mental health outcomes for all Indiana residents. The inaugural 2023 summit focused on three areas: faith, youth and young adulthood, and the workforce, convening thought leaders at the intersection of mental health issues.
This year’s summit was hosted by IMHR Co-Chair Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Eli Lilly Chairman Emeritus Dr. John Rechleiter, and Riley Children’s Health Chief Strategy Officer Tyler Leishman.
“Mental health issues affect everyone, but they especially impact our most vulnerable Indiana youth,” said Lt. Governor Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “By bringing together community leaders, mental health professionals, youth leaders and other groups, we can all work together to pave the way for the collective well-being of Indiana’s youth.”
In addition to more than 16 breakout sessions throughout the summit, keynote speakers included former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams and Dr. Antonia Novello.
“Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to serve with the Lt. Governor and dozens of other leaders across our state as members of the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable,” Rechleiter said. “Together, we have brought attention to many of the most pressing challenges our state faces in the area of mental health, pushed for needed change, and encouraged the formation of partnerships and joint efforts to address issues in effective ways.”
Sponsors of the summit included Riley Center for Children’s Health, Bowen Center, Valiños Foundation, Anthem, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Hamilton County Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, Kicking the Stigma (Indianapolis Colts), Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, CareSource, Pacers Sports & Entertainment Group, Ball State University College of Health, Purdue University College of Health and Human Services and College of Pharmacy, and Purdue University Office of Student Life.
“Riley Children’s Health is committed to advancing the mental health and wellness of all Indiana children, and working with the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable furthers this commitment by providing a platform for collaboration, advocacy and innovation,” said Leishman. “Together we aim to develop comprehensive strategies to enact meaningful and lasting change, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child has the care and support they need to reach their fullest potential, physically and mentally.”
A complete list of sessions and speakers can be found here.
