Listen, Mental Health Matters: Dr. Kelly Blankenship, Dayton Children's Hospital

In the 10th episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead and guest host Chris Haedt, HDR health principal, sit down with Dr. Kelly Blankenship, associate chief medical officer and division chief of psychiatry at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Dr. Blankenship shares her journey into child psychiatry and her mission to expand access to youth mental health care. She discusses innovative approaches like facility dogs for de-escalation, rapid follow-up after emergency visits and the hospital’s role as the region’s only inpatient children’s mental health facility. From college-age programs to parent education, the episode explores community collaboration, school-based resiliency programs and pilot initiatives for outpatient care. The group also reflects on the pandemic and social media’s impact on youth, and how advocacy and education can shape the future of mental healthcare.