Yale School of Medicine Receives $10 Million Donation to Enhance Children's Mental Health Programs

On May 1, 2026, Yale School of Medicine (YSM) in New Haven, Connecticut, has announced a substantial donation of $10 million from Bukhman Philanthropies. Founded by Daria and Dmitri Bukhman, this London-based philanthropic organization aims to make a meaningful difference in children's mental health and emotional well-being through various initiatives.

This generous contribution will specifically bolster the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and its two pivotal programs: the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) and the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program. By focusing on evidence-based interventions and outreach tools, these programs hope to enhance the psychological health and emotional resilience of children and adolescents.

The leadership team driving these initiatives includes Dr. Marc Brackett, founder and director of the YCEI and professor at YCSC; Dr. Wendy Silverman, an esteemed professor of psychology and member of YCSC; and Dr. Eli Lebowitz, also an associate professor at the center. Their combined expertise will ensure that the funds are used effectively in developing programs that address pressing mental health challenges faced by today’s youth.

Dr. Nancy J. Brown, MD, the Jean and David W. Wallace Dean at Yale School of Medicine, expressed gratitude towards Bukhman Philanthropies, stating, "We are incredibly thankful for the generous donation from Bukhman Philanthropies. This represents an investment in children and families that promotes their emotional health. Their contribution will aid our faculty in translating scientific knowledge into practical tools that support adolescent emotional health and development, enhance parental guidance, improve healthcare services, and advance research that addresses contemporary challenges, including the realities of social media in today’s rapidly changing world."

The necessity for such initiatives is underscored by alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, noting that 14.3% of adolescents aged 10 to 19 worldwide suffer from mental disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues rank among the leading causes of illness and disability in this age group, with suicide identified as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.

Daria Bukhman highlighted the importance of equipping youth with tools necessary for navigating a complex digital landscape, stating, "In a world characterized by rapid advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence, I believe that essential human characteristics like emotional awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills will become increasingly valuable. Today's youth are under pressure from academic demands, socio-economic challenges, and complexities arising from the digital and social media environment. As parents, we have the responsibility to provide the next generation with the necessary tools and support to lead meaningful, resilient, and fulfilling lives."

About Yale School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine strives to cultivate the future leaders of the medical and scientific communities, instilling curiosity and critical thinking in its students. Known globally for its excellence in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education, the institution boasts a faculty exceeding 1,700 physicians dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients around the world. The Yale medical education system emphasizes critical thinking and independent research, fostering the leadership skills integral to academic medicine.

This recent donation marks a significant step forward in enhancing mental health resources available to children and adolescents, affirming Yale School of Medicine's commitment to addressing crucial health challenges and improving emotional well-being in future generations.