We are a nonprofit with a mission
to transform mental health care
The Huntsman Mental Health Foundation supports the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its mission to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives.
Huntsman Mental Health Foundation
Our story
From the very first gift establishing the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah—before the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation even had a name—to our body of work today, the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation supports the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its mission to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives.
Our journey began with a passionate commitment by the Huntsman family to address the mental health crisis in the United States, and today, we stand as a formidable force striving to create a world where every individual’s mental well-being is cherished, and support is readily available. Our story is one of dedication, compassion, and transformation forged by personal experience.
As a Foundation, our work is not finished until every person can access the mental health care they need without prejudice or discrimination. We’re building a more just world where mental health has parity with physical health and no one suffers in silence.
We are pursuing these goals through innovative partnerships and impactful investments that find new ways to leverage private capital and forge unique partnerships for mind and brain health. You can become a partner in this shared responsibility by contributing here.
Huntsman Mental Health Foundation
This is where our mental health story begins
Kathleen Huntsman’s battle with mental illness and addiction—and her untimely passing—inspired the creation of the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. Her story is a powerful reminder that stigma still prevents too many from getting the help they need. We exist to change that, advancing research, clinical care, and innovation to make mental health a true priority. This is our why.
Our journey began with the Huntsman family's commitment to address the U.S. mental health crisis.
Today, we are a powerful force dedicated to a world where mental well-being is valued and support is accessible to all. Our story is one of dedication, compassion, and transformation forged by personal experience.
As a Foundation, our work is not finished until every person can access the mental health care they need without prejudice or discrimination. We’re building a more just world where mental health has parity with physical health and no one suffers in silence.
We are pursuing these goals through innovative partnerships and impactful investments that find new ways to leverage private capital and forge unique partnerships for mind and brain health. Become a partner in this shared responsibility by contributing here.
They are also preventable, treatable, and often curable."
Our mission and vision
Breaking down barriers so every mind can thrive
At the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, our vision is clear: we strive for a world where mental wellness is accessible to all, where funding is not an obstacle on the path to well-being. To achieve this, our mission is to harness the power of philanthropic support to break down the barriers that hinder mental wellness, both regionally and nationally.
Our pledge to you
When you donate to the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, you are investing in a multifaceted approach to fostering mental well-being, including substance use disorder support.
Your generous contributions make a real difference in the lives we touch.
We recognize that substance use disorders often intertwine with mental health concerns. Your philanthropic contributions fuel our capacity to provide access to care and support for individuals and families grappling with both issues. We offer tailored resources, access to rehabilitation programs, and guidance on the path to recovery and healing. Our Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center will house community services, training, and crisis care in one location including a medication-assisted treatment clinic for individuals with opiate use disorders.
Innovation stands at the core of our endeavor to revolutionize mental health and substance use care. At the Translational Research Center, researchers, educators, scientists, clinicians, students, and members of the community will have the opportunity to work in “neighborhoods” – or communities of practice – and coalesce around key issues, treatments, and training initiatives. Your financial support amplifies our capacity to fund groundbreaking research, explore innovative treatment options, and pioneer progressive strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic recovery.
At the heart of our foundation lies a commitment to empowering communities. With your invaluable support, we extend a lifeline to individuals and families navigating the complexities of mental health and substance use challenges. HMHI’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) go into the community and provide free, prompt, face-to-face responses to any resident of Salt Lake County who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Your contributions enable us to expand our reach, offer comprehensive support groups, and provide resources that foster healing, resilience, and interconnectedness.
Education serves as the linchpin in dismantling the barriers surrounding mental health and substance use. Your financial support amplifies our educational efforts, allowing us to create a vast repository of informative resources, host an array of impactful workshops, and launch sweeping awareness campaigns that not only challenge misconceptions but also promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance for those facing substance use disorders. Your support augments our ability to train and recruit tomorrow’s leaders in mental health.
Our core values
Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and the highest ethical standards.
We commit to the highest standards of integrity in our practice, behavior, and resource allocation. As stewards of your generous gifts, we operate with transparency and accountability. We believe that integrity is not just about what we say, but what we do when no one else is looking. It’s about treating others as we would want to be treated, guided by the Golden Rule.
Transparency
We share our impact and intentions with clarity and care.
We are dedicated to being transparent in our fundraising and reporting practices, strategies, and impact reporting. We use language that everyone can understand, share concrete examples, and ensure that our frameworks are accessible to all. We believe that by being open and honest, we maintain accountability and build trust within our community.
Collaboration
Partnerships power our mission and amplify our impact.
We invest in long-term relationships and work closely with our donors, board, team, stakeholders, academic institutions, and the community. Together, we maximize our impact, align our efforts, and support one another to create lasting, systemic change. Collaboration is not just a word for us; it’s a commitment that we actively nurture.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, kindness, and a deep respect for others.
We listen without judgment, encourage, accept, and support people in a kind and helpful manner. We actively foster a culture of support, kindness, and empathy. We believe that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on collective wellness, and we strive to embody this belief in all that we do.
Continuous learning
We stay curious, informed, and open to new ways of creating impact.
We are committed to actively learning about mental health advocacy, research, philanthropy, and impact. We understand that to drive change, we must continuously expand our knowledge and adapt to new insights and challenges.
Inclusion
We embrace diverse voices to build a more equitable future for all.
We welcome, respect, include, and value people of all backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and mental health states. We believe that by embracing diversity, we enrich our perspectives and create a more inclusive and equitable mental health landscape for all.
Join the mental health movement
Get updates on breakthroughs, events, and stories of hope.
Join the mental health movement
Get updates on breakthroughs, events, and stories of hope.
Your generosity ignites change
No matter the size, every donation plays a powerful role in transforming mental health care. Here’s what your support makes possible:
Your support helps us challenge stigma and push for real change in policy and public perception.
Fund cutting-edge discoveries that improve care for millions.
Help those facing mental health and substance use challenges find healing and hope.
Fuel education and awareness that foster empathy and understanding across communities.
Need help or support?
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By the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its partners
Emergency medical services
Call for immediate life-threatening emergencies
Suicide & crisis lifeline
Available 24/7 for mental health emergencies