$1M Gift Supports Mental Health-Care at Akron Children’s

BOARDMAN, Ohio – A $1 million donation to support Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley will see the campus’ behavioral health center named in honor of Teegan Kamzelski.

The gift was made by Christopher Thompson and his family in memory of his son, who died by suicide at the age of 24.

“If we could get treatment for children at a younger age, we could change the pathways of these kids’ lives,” Thompson said in a statement. “The behavioral health program is so important to us and needs support because no one is immune to this disease.” 

Kamzelski was a graduate of Hubbard High School and a self-taught carpenter.

“Treatment for mental and behavioral health issues is so dear to my heart, but it carries such a negative stigma,” Thompson continued. “It is so overlooked and undertreated because people are ashamed. No one should be ashamed.” 

The gift will support programs at the Lois and John Orr Family Behavior Health Center, 6614 Southern Blvd, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, counseling and support services. The center opened in December 2019. 

“We are so grateful to Mr. Thompson and his family for their thoughtful gift that will help us provide behavioral health support to children and teens,” said Shelly Brown, vice president of development for Akron Children’s Hospital. “The need is there, and thanks to the Thompsons, more families in need of mental health care will be able to access it closer to home.” 

Pictured: At the dedication ceremony of Akron Children’s newly named Teegan Kamzelski Building are Alex Thompson (Teegan’s half-brother); Christopher Thompson (Teegan’s father); and Kyle Thompson (Teegan’s half-brother).

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.