Children’s National Hospital receives $5 million gift for adolescent health
A new $5 million gift from the Wyss Medical Foundation will strengthen adolescent medicine programs and open doors to care at Children’s National Hospital. The investment will expand services at a critical stage in young people’s lives, supporting conditions ranging from anxiety to trauma stemming from gun violence.
“Adolescent care is often overlooked, but it has always been a priority at Children’s National. These are defining years when young people discover who they are and make choices that shape their futures. Ensuring strong health in the teen years sets the foundation for lifelong well-being,” said Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine.
“Every day, teens in Washington, D.C., face challenges such as violence, poverty, hunger and mental health concerns, and our division provides specialized care not available anywhere else in the region,” Dr. Abraham said. “This generous gift from the Wyss Medical Foundation, combined with our team’s vision and expertise, will allow us to connect teens with the care they need to thrive, making a lasting difference in their lives.”
The Wyss Medical Foundation is dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions to improve lives and empower communities. “Far too many young people fall through the cracks at a time in life when support matters the most,” the Wyss Medical Foundation said. “This investment reflects our belief that specialized adolescent health care is essential to building healthier communities. Children’s National is uniquely positioned to expand access to evidence-based care for teens facing complex challenges, and we are proud to support their efforts to improve outcomes across the region.”
Children’s National is a lifeline for youth in crisis and a safety net hospital for children in the nation’s capital, with 80% of its primary care patients relying on Medicaid. Last year alone, Children’s National provided more than $159 million in uncompensated care to cover the gap left by low reimbursement rates.
Demand for adolescent care is also rising in the area. The investment from the Wyss Medical Foundation will help create new patient-facing roles and expand wraparound services that address the unique developmental needs of teens. This will enhance care quality and reduce repeat hospital stays and emergency department visits.
“Every day, our clinicians and staff care for young people struggling with challenges that threaten their futures. This drives our commitment to help teens overcome hardship and grow into healthy, resilient adults,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Children’s National. "The Wyss Medical Foundation’s support helps us add vital staff and resources that will impact the lives of young people who need us more than ever.”
