The new mental health building, under construction on Dayton Children’s main campus on Valley Street in Dayton, is the first building to bear the Mathile family name.
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
“I am proud to share that this is the first time all three generations have come together as a unified front around a shared and common cause, one that is very important to our family and special to our hearts,” said Lauren Mathile, a third-generation Mathile family member.
“We are living in a world that is more connected yet more divisive than ever before. We’ve seen the benefits of technological advancements and social progress,” Mathile said. “But we’ve also witnessed the challenges that come with them, challenges that often weigh heavily on young people.”
Social media, academic pressures, economic uncertainties and the constant flow of information can be overwhelming, she said.
“These pressures can affect mental health in many ways, and many of us, especially children, may not be equipped to handle this alone and shouldn’t have to,” Mathile said.
“Growing up as the first truly digital generation, I witnessed firsthand how my family, friends and peers have struggled with mental health. And I’ve experienced this myself as well,” Mathile said.
The family chose to put the Mathile name on the building in hopes that it will help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
“It’s touched all over our lives, unfortunately,” said Patrick Prikkel, a second-generation Mathile family member. “Our kids have grown up with active-shooter drills. ... And they’ve seen their friends struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, all the challenges that the connected generation of today feels.”
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
Dayton Children’s began construction of the building in May 2023. The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness will double the available space for mental health patients by 2025.
“Dayton Children’s has been on a journey, an odyssey, if you will, in the relentless this pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach. It’s a pursuit because the needs never stop growing, and the health care climate never stops changing,” said Deborah Feldman, Dayton Children’s president and CEO.
The $110 million building also received a $25 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan, as well as $2 million donation from CareSource. The project will continue to transform a hospital campus that has seen more than $375 million in new investment in the last decade.
The family wanted to keep the exact amount of its initial gift to Dayton Children’s new mental health building private, but they are also challenging the community to donate with a promise to match up $3 million for the Do More campaign.
“When we began considering where our support could make the greatest impact, mental health was a cause that resonated deeply with us. We have faced our own struggles and challenges,” said Jennifer Prikkel, also of the Mathile family.
Those experiences shaped their understanding of the importance of quality mental health care for children, she said.
“We’ve also witnessed the courage of so many families facing mental health challenges and the remarkable resilience of the children themselves,” Jennifer Prikkel said.
For more information or to donate, visit childrensdaytongive.org.
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