Marsh McLennan Agency Donates $1M to Enhance Pediatric Behavioral Health Services

May 8, 2025

Marsh McLennan Agency has pledged $1 million over the next decade to improve pediatric behavioral health care in Sioux Falls. This funding goes directly to the Sanford Health Foundation, focusing on integrating behavioral health services into pediatric inpatient care at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

Currently, about one in five children in the U.S. has a diagnosable behavioral health issue. At Sanford Children’s Hospital alone, more than 5,500 patients were treated last year for concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and self-harm.

Erin Sanderson from the Sanford Health Foundation highlighted the growing challenges kids face in the region: “This partnership will create a safer, more supportive environment for our young patients.” Steve Vlk, CEO of the Sioux Falls Marsh McLennan Agency office, echoed this sentiment, mentioning that the gift is a testament to their long history of supporting child wellness initiatives.

The partnership will enhance services in several ways:

• Adding full-time therapists and social workers to the pediatric behavioral health team.
• Improving training programs for staff to ensure long-term sustainability in delivering care.
• Implementing assessment and follow-up services to guarantee proper diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Creating dedicated spaces for children to find comfort and learn coping skills.

Rochelle Sweetman, director of health care at Marsh McLennan, emphasized that investing in children’s health benefits the entire community. “Healthy children become healthy adults, fostering engaged and resilient communities.”

The initiative will also introduce screening tools to evaluate the emotional health of every patient admitted to Sanford Children’s. Dr. Joe Segeleon noted, “Early screening is crucial for better long-term health outcomes.” This program will equip families with the necessary support to thrive.

As mental health becomes a growing concern nationwide, partnerships like this could pave the way for a healthier future for many children and their families. More information about children’s mental health can be found in recent reports from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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