Written by At Interim HealthCare, we are deeply committed to advancing the field of mental health, and we are thrilled to highlight a significant milestone in this endeavor—the establishment of The DiMarco Family Endowed Chair in Mental and Behavioral Health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This prestigious chair was recently awarded to Dr. Eric Youngstrom, a leading figure in psychology, whose expertise promises to make a transformative impact on mental health research and practice.
Honoring Philanthropic Leadership
Ann and Tom DiMarco, central Ohio philanthropists and community leaders, have a long-standing history of supporting vital health initiatives. Since 1994, they have generously contributed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, funding numerous programs that enhance the well-being of children and families. Their commitment to philanthropy is exemplified by their previous establishment of The DiMarco Family Endowed Chair in Cell-Based Therapy in 2017, which is held by esteemed cancer researcher Dr. Dean A. Lee.
Tom DiMarco, CEO of Interim HealthCare, embodies the spirit of service and community engagement that the DiMarcos’ champion. He has expressed pride in how the successes of Interim HealthCare allow for such meaningful contributions to health research and care.
I am always happy to share what we do as a result of the successes of our Interim HealthCare Organization.
Dr. Eric Youngstrom: A Leader in Mental Health Research
Dr. Eric Youngstrom is a nationally renowned psychologist whose work focuses on mood disorders and the clinical assessment of children and families. On February 1, 2024, he became the inaugural director of the Institute for Mental and Behavioral Health Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the first recipient of The DiMarco Family Endowed Chair in Mental and Behavioral Health.
Prior to this role, Dr. Youngstrom served as a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directed the Center for Excellence in Research and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. His research has garnered funding from prominent institutions, including the National Institute of Mental Health, and he has held influential positions in various psychological societies. Dr. Youngstrom’s contributions to the field are profound, including consulting on the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and leading initiatives focused on child diagnosis.
Learn more about Dr. Youngstrom here: Nationwide Children’s Hospital to Expand Mental and Behavioral Health Research (nationwidechildrens.org
With the establishment of The DiMarco Family Endowed Chair in Mental and Behavioral Health, Dr. Youngstrom aims to further enhance the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders in children. His research is expected to bridge gaps in knowledge, improve clinical assessments, and foster innovative treatments that can significantly benefit young patients and their families.
Ann DiMarco’s role as Vice Chair of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees further solidifies the DiMarco family’s commitment to mental health and community well-being. Alongside her philanthropic efforts, Ann’s involvement in various organizations such as Kobacker House and the OhioHealth Hospice Development Board showcases her dedication to holistic health initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
The creation of The DiMarco Family Endowed Chair in Mental and Behavioral Health represents a beacon of hope and progress in the field of mental health. It underscores the importance of collaboration between community leaders, healthcare professionals, and researchers in addressing the mental health challenges faced by children today.
At Interim HealthCare, we celebrate this remarkable achievement and look forward to the innovative advancements that Dr. Youngstrom and his team will bring to the realm of mental and behavioral health, ultimately improving the lives of countless children and families in our communities. Together, with leaders like the DiMarcos and dedicated professionals like Dr. Youngstrom, we can pave the way for a brighter future in mental health care.