Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation announced on Sept. 12 a new $7,940,991 federal grant for Bradley Hospital to advance the construction of a pediatric psychiatric research laboratory, to be co-located on Bradley’s hospital campus in East Providence.

Bradley Hospital is an affiliate of Brown University and offers families and children access to mental health screening, diagnostics, and a full array of evidence-based therapeutic services to appropriately address pediatric mental and behavioral health needs.

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo said the new federal funding, which is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will help build a state-of-the-art facility to enhance pediatric psychiatric research and centralize services in one convenient, modern facility.

“Without a dedicated space on campus, Bradley Hospital’s research laboratories are scattered across multiple locations, limiting collaboration and distancing scientists from the very patients who stand to benefit most from their work,” Dr. Henry Sachs III, President, Bradley Hospital. “A unified facility would not only provide the appropriate space for advanced research and equipment but also bring researchers closer to their patients—accelerating discoveries, improving outcomes, and fostering vital collaboration across core labs. This proposed center would significantly enhance Bradley Hospital’s capacity to address the urgent and evolving challenges in youth and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral health.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), many mental disorders can begin in childhood. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early treatment can help children manage their symptoms and support their social and emotional well-being.

“Too many young people are struggling with mental health challenges, and it is critical that they have access to the high-quality care and support they deserve,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “I am proud to join my colleagues in the Rhode Island congressional delegation to announce funding that will help Bradley Hospital continue its leadership in children’s mental health research and treatment, bringing new tools and better care to Rhode Islanders.”

Nearly 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 had ever been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition, according to NIMH’s latest statistics.

“We have a children’s mental health crisis in this country, and too many Rhode Island kids are struggling with conditions that have been under-researched and misunderstood,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
The NIH research facilities construction grant will allow Bradley Hospital to move forward with the multi-phase plans to construct a pediatric psychiatric research laboratory.

“Bradley’s new facility will provide Rhode Islanders with high-quality mental health care and help conduct innovative research initiatives that will enhance treatment and prevention efforts,” said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “This federal grant is a major boost to help advance the project and better serve the community, especially our youngest patients in need of mental health services.”

Bradley Hospital is the nation’s first psychiatric hospital dedicated to children and adolescents. Located in East Providence, it serves youth and families across Rhode Island and New England.