The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) released a series of updates in 2021 involving faculty appointments, medical presentations, and institutional initiatives. These updates covered topics ranging from mental health stigma to legislative funding for research facilities.
In September 2021, the Executive Appropriations Committee of the Utah State Legislature unanimously approved $90 million in funding for the Utah Translational Research Building at the University of Utah. This funding was designated for a first-of-its-kind translational research building for mental health.
During that same month, HMHI highlighted several experts, including Jeremy Kendrick, MD, a Triple Board trained psychiatrist, and Nina de Lacy, MD, MBA, an Assistant Professor who conducts research in computational science, artificial intelligence, and population mental health.
The institute also addressed various mental health topics and community challenges. HMHI launched a Grand Challenge to eliminate mental health stigma and unveiled a new mission, vision, and values after gathering feedback from stakeholders and staff. Additionally, the institute highlighted the importance of discussing suicide to save lives and addressed the mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Faculty and professional development were central to the year's updates. HMHI welcomed several new providers, including six board-certified psychiatrists and two new youth-focused clinical faculty members. The institute also welcomed 25 new psychiatry residents and fellows representing five academic training programs. Other scheduled Psychiatry Grand Rounds included presentations by C. Neill Epperson, MD; Lauren Asarnow, PhD; Anita Everett, MD, DFAPA; and Joan Asarnow, PhD, ABPP.
