#USA #New York #REACH Institute #Elevate Prize #Lisa Romanelli

The REACH Institute's Triumph in Youth Mental Health Care

On February 5, 2025, The REACH Institute announced a significant achievement with its CEO, Dr. Lisa Hunter Romanelli, being honored as a winner of the prestigious 2025 Elevate Prize. This recognition is not merely an accolade but a testament to her innovative leadership in tackling the critical issue of youth mental health care access. Dr. Romanelli’s efforts are pivotal at a time when mental health concerns among children are unprecedented.

The Elevate Prize, established by philanthropist Joseph Deitch in 2019, aims to spotlight and support social changemakers who are addressing pressing global challenges. With this award, Dr. Romanelli joins a cohort of ten visionary leaders each committed to transformative solutions worldwide. Each recipient, including Dr. Romanelli, will receive $300,000, with a generous portion allocated to their associated organization, The REACH Institute, enabling them to further their mission.

Impact of the Elevate Prize on The REACH Institute

The REACH Institute's mission is clear: to ensure comprehensive mental health care for all children. Dr. Romanelli's leadership has been crucial in effectively training healthcare providers, enhancing their competence in addressing various pediatric mental health conditions. The organization emphasizes training in the most scientifically proven therapies, equipping primary care providers with the skills necessary to identify and treat mental health issues in children and adolescents.

A startling statistic from the CDC reveals that approximately 20% of children in the U.S. face mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, yet merely 20% of these children receive the necessary treatment. In the face of growing demand for psychiatric services, Dr. Romanelli's initiatives have become increasingly critical, as wait times for care can extend for months in many regions.

Thanks to the Elevate Prize, The REACH Institute is poised to expand its impactful initiatives significantly. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has trained over 8,000 primary care providers, aiming to double this number by 2027. The scale of their reach is considerable; each trained provider can potentially assist around 2,500 children throughout their careers.

A Call to Action for Youth Mental Health

Dr. Romanelli expressed her gratitude for receiving the Elevate Prize, acknowledging its potential to amplify their efforts in closing the mental health care gap for children.
“At a time when mental health challenges among youth are at an all-time high, this award allows us to expand our impact and empower more clinicians to help more children and families,” Dr. Romanelli stated, underlining the urgency of improved mental health resources for youth.

The REACH Institute’s approach not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also advocates for extensive systemic change within pediatric healthcare. By enhancing training programs for primary care providers, they are directly addressing the shortages in mental health services, especially in underserved communities. This holistic model ensures that children and families receive the care they need when they need it.

In conclusion, the recognition of Dr. Lisa Hunter Romanelli symbolizes much more than personal achievement; it represents a crucial movement towards better mental health care for the youth of America. As The REACH Institute continues to grow and innovate, the support from the Elevate Prize will be a vital catalyst in shaping a future where every child has access to the mental health care they deserve.

For more information about The REACH Institute and its efforts, visit www.thereachinstitute.org. To explore more about the Elevate Prize and its mission, head to www.elevateprize.org.