Turning Point

A Groundbreaking Child and Adolescent Mental Health Campaign

Every year, thousands of young people die not from cancer or car accidents, but by their own hand. It is estimated that nationally 500,000 teenagers try to kill themselves every year, and thousands succeed.

"We have an epidemic. We have only one-fifth of the child psychiatrists necessary to meet the need. On top of that, we struggle from the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Stigma is one of the greatest barriers to getting the right care at the right time."

Read Sulik, MD, Assistant Commissioner, Chemical and Mental Health
Administration of the Minnesota Department of Human Services

"A lot of people don't know how to get the help they need — or where to turn for help. There's a world that kids experience that isn't just about 'cheering up.' There's a lot more behind depression. People need the help, but they're so ashamed of it."

Betsy Johnson, 17, Duluth

So what's the good news?
Mental illness is treatable, and suicide is preventable.
Lives can be transformed with the right help, at the right time.
The Miller-Dwan Foundation is committed to making that help available.

The right environment is an important part of the healing process. They why we're creating a new community mental wellness center where services and support can be tailored to each individual child and family. The facility will be an integrated solution that improves the lives of kids and families facing mental health challenges and teaches everyone to think differently about mental wellness, in a safe haven that feels like home.

Designed in part for youth with serious emotional or behavioral challenges, or those dealing with substance abuse, this home-like facility will feature day-long intensive mental health programming in a welcoming wellness-centered environment. In addition it will provide support, education, and assistance to parents, caregivers and the community. 

The center will be located on wooded property blending the look and warmth of a loving home with the best of Duluth's great outdoors. Yet it will feature compassionate experts specially trained in providing the best care to children, families and caregivers. 

You can give our region hope by supporting this bold new vision. Give children and families a better chance by making a generous financial contribution to create of a center for greater mental wellness. Help our kids get the right care at the right time.

Help create a turning point.
For children.
For families.
For our region's health.
Make a gift today.