Illuminate Projects
In June 2023, Children’s Mercy announced a comprehensive initiative to address the mental health needs of children and teens in the community. Over five years, 14 projects will be launched impacting more than 80,000 kids. Powered by support from community champions across the region, significant progress has been made toward the goals outlined in the plan:

Facilitate Early Intervention
Integrating behavioral health in local primary care practices
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In 3 community-based primary care offices with the goal of adding a fourth in the fall
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Since launching, behavioral health clinicians have reached patients through more than 2,100 visits
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Wait times to see a behavioral health provider have been transformed from months to minutes
Teaming up with Center School District to facilitate school-based behavioral health
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8 Schools 2,500 students, pre-K through high school
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After just one semester, seven out of eight schools have seen a reduction in office discipline referrals
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Building a model for implementing evidence-based programs.
Streamlining care coordination began with “One Front Door” intake process
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Creates one seamless entry point for families
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Quicker access to services, resources and referrals
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Anticipated to impact 9,000 area families

Increase Specialty Services
Opened first ever Depression and Anxiety in Youth (DAY) Clinic
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5,800+ Appointments since opening
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68% improvement in anxiety symptoms
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63% improvement in depression symptoms
Expanded eating disorders care
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The only consolidated program in the region to offer medical treatment, nutrition services and therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
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Anticipate caring for 50% more families
Expanded rapid ADHD diagnosis
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Pilot program streamlines access to ADHD assessment and diagnosis
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Helps families get recommendations and next steps, faster
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Planning underway to grow program to include assessment of other concerns
Launched new Autism and Neurodevelopmental Continuity Clinic
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Bridges the gap between diagnosis and autism-specific care
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Helped nearly 300 families find care, support and early intervention services

Invest in Research & Innovation
Mental health research projects currently underway at Children’s Mercy are seeking to:
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Identify causes of behavioral health conditions
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Develop personalized therapeutics
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Identify and manage behavioral health risks
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Transform model of care for equitable treatment
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Advance digital mental health technologies

Expand Hospital Care
Construction launched to expand hospital care
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Olathe Mental Health Wellness Campus— a 72,700 square-foot, state-of-the art inpatient psychiatric hospital with 48 pediatric beds opened in December 2024 —a 29% increase in area beds for kids. Since opening, operating at full capacity with 455 admissions.
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The PATH Clinic — bridging the vulnerable gap between the Emergency Department and community health providers. Since opening in January 2025, children and teens have been served through more than 329 visits.