Newport Hospital breaks ground on Adolescent Mental Health Unit

Newport Hospital has surpassed its $5 million fundraising goal for a new Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit (ABHU), allowing construction to begin ahead of schedule. The project aims to address the critical need for pediatric mental and behavioral health services in Newport County, where no local acute care options currently exist for struggling youth.

Carol Bazarsky, Chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, calls it a “milestone moment” for the hospital and the community. “Philanthropy makes an incredible difference, and that is especially true at Newport Hospital,” she says.

The pandemic had amplified the need for such services in Rhode Island, particularly in Newport County. The ABHU will be an eight-bed unit on the hospital’s campus, serving patients aged 12 to 18 who suffer from serious mental health disorders.

In partnership with Bradley Hospital, the unit will provide short-term stabilization, assessment, and treatment for suicidal, aggressive, or other behavioral conditions. It is expected to care for more than 240 adolescents and their families annually.

Several major donors have contributed to the project’s success. The van Beuren Charitable Foundation donated $1.125 million, while The Aletta Morris McBean Foundation and the Gewirz Family also made significant contributions.

Retired medical professionals Peggy and James Nolan, MD, designated $1 million to the construction phase as part of a larger gift to Newport Hospital.

The fundraising campaign kicked off at the hospital’s 2023 Summer Celebration. Throughout the year, supporters hosted “Gather to Give” events in their homes, which proved integral to the campaign’s success.

Elizabeth and Bill Leatherman, Victoria Mele, Anne and Matt Hamilton, and Ann and Sam Mencoff opened their homes for these intimate gatherings, helping to surpass the $5 million goal.

The new unit will feature modern group therapy space, activity rooms, and an enclosed outdoor area. Construction is anticipated to take 12 to 14 months, with fundraising efforts continuing to support its completion.

“This is a milestone moment for Newport Hospital, but more importantly, for the kids and families in our community who need the level of care a dedicated behavioral health unit can provide,” Bazarsky says.

As construction begins, Newport Hospital continues to work closely with Bradley Hospital to ensure the new unit meets the highest standards of care. The partnership brings world-renowned expertise in pediatric mental health to Newport County.