Mainstreaming Mental Health
At …futuresTHRIVE, we believe knowledge is the wellspring of health. By combining the power of artificial intelligence with human wisdom and heart, we will make pediatric mental health screening commonplace while educating America that a cared-for mind is vital to a healthy life.
Ignorance and Stigma are Stealing Childhoods
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One in five children in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental health condition.*
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Half of all mental health conditions have an onset by age 14.**
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Seventy-five percent of mental health conditions are present by age 24.**
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Less than 20% of those diagnosed will receive treatment.*
*Source – Centers for Disease Control
**Source – National Institute of Mental Health
Mental illness thrives in the dark.
It hides in the shadow of ignorance, guilt and shame. Only the light of knowledge can expose the truth and deliver children and families from illness and stigma. …futuresTHRIVE is that light.
Mental Illness is Taking a Toll
The average time from the onset of a mental health condition to intervention is 10 years.*
There are approximately 44 million adults struggling with mental health conditions.**
25% of people struggling with mental health conditions have co-occurring active addiction disorders.*
*Source – World Health Organization
**Source – Center for Disease Control
Mental health issues are more prevalent than other typically screened pediatric conditions like vision and hearing loss, yet no universal mental health protocol exists.
Mental Health Conditions Cost
Americans with major mental illness die on average 14-32 years earlier than the general population.
The lack of employee productivity costs employers $1.5 trillion per year vs. the $150 billion cost of absenteeism, making the well-being of employees (and their families) vital.
Mental health disorders are the single most expensive category of health costs for many employers across all industries and sizes.
*Source – Clocking in and checking out”. VirginPulse 2015 Study for Global Challenge
**Source – Steinberg Institute
Approximately 4,446 children ages 1-19 die of cancer every year. Approximately 4,600 children 10-24 die by suicide with another 157,000 being treated in ERs across the country for self-inflicted injuries.
As a society we would never accept a six-month wait for a doctor’s appointment for the child diagnosed with cancer, yet “wait”, is exactly what a child with a mental health condition such as suicidal thoughts does.
The …futuresTHRIVE Solution
The …futuresTHRIVE model uses a technology-driven mental health screening tool during the pediatric well-child visit in order to flag for mental health early and often. Mental health is a far greater and more common concern than either of the currently screened hearing or vision issues.
MEET THE TEAM
Wendy Ward, Founder
A former advertising and sales executive with a psychology degree from Denison University, Wendy uses her deep communications expertise and her family’s own mental health struggle to fuel her passion for mainstreaming mental healthcare. Wendy is a 2018 YWCA Women of Distinction Awardee. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid ™ and a Kimochis facilitator™.
Rick Stevenson, Director of Creative & Personal Storytelling
A true renaissance man, Rick possesses a philosophy doctorate from Oxford University and is the creator of the StoryQ™ method of inquiry. In addition to filming interviews of over 5,500 children across 12 countries, he has produced, directed, and/or written 12 feature films.
Greg Wright, Director of AI Development, Design & Data Security
A graduate of the University of Washington in computer science and member of Phi Beta Kappa, Greg is the co-inventor of the StoryQ™ technology and a professional project manager who has overseen its development since 2010. A developer of patented information management systems paired with a passion to change the landscape of mental health, he brings extensive writing, editing, and training experience in both language arts and computer science to round out the team.
Max Losee, Director of Technology & StoryQ Development Lead
A graduate of the University of Utah and an experienced creative, Max’s tech development for social-purposed visionaries delivers revolutionary products that change lives. With a background in product development and extensive experience working with youth, Max’s passion fuels change.
Paula Prentis, Director of Programs and Curriculum
A licensed social worker and certified wellness practitioner with a master’s degree from NYU, Paula has published and presented extensively on youth mental health and identity development. She consults with educators, families, and businesses nationwide on the promotion of physical and mental health.
Advisory
Tracy Beeson, Scrum Master, Groundspeed Analytics, Inc.
Sandra Birch, LMSW, Peru, Vermont
Noelle Hendersen, Clinical Mental Health Master’s candidate
Kate Knowles, Founder Yellowdog Promotions
Toby Trygg, SVP, Group Creative Director at McCann Health NY and Founding Member, Facebook Health Advisory Community
Be the change your community needs:
Decades of health research show that early intervention is by far the most effective means of preventative care. With your support we can change the devastating outcomes of untreated mental health conditions.
Winner of the September 2019 Hayvn Hatch Audience Award
An approved CT Innovation Angel Investor Company
Proud partner of PsychHub
…futuresTHRIVE is a woman-owned business
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info@futuresthrive.com