May 8, 2025

Marsh McLennan Agency is committing $1 million over the next decade to address the growing need for pediatric behavioral health care in the Sioux Falls region.

The insurance firm made the donation to the Sanford Health Foundation in support of integrating behavioral health into inpatient pediatric care at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

In the past year at Sanford Children’s Hospital, more than 5,500 patient encounters involved a behavioral health diagnosis or concern related to issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideations or attempts, trauma and disruptive behaviors.

“Across the Sioux Falls region, more and more kids are struggling with heartbreaking and complex behavioral health issues. By addressing the growing mental health needs of children, this partnership will create a safer, more supportive environment where our youngest patients can thrive,” Erin Sanderson, vice president of Sanford Health Foundation, Sioux Falls, said in a statement.

“This generous gift from Marsh McLennan Agency will help expand and enhance critical behavioral health services at the Castle of Care.”

The vision for Marsh McLennan Agency is to create a legacy gift that helps provide “comprehensive, whole-person care that supports each child’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being,” said Steve Vlk, CEO of the Sioux Falls and Fargo offices.

“Throughout our history, we’ve consistently supported quality-of-life initiatives for children. It’s part of our DNA. We also have a long-standing, 40-plus-year relationship with Sanford and are proud to support an organization that takes care of our own employees and those in our community and region.”

The new partnership will allow Sanford Children’s Hospital to:

• Expand the pediatric behavioral health team with additional full-time therapists and social workers.
• Enhance internship and training programs to empower staff and build a long-term sustainable model for delivering critical whole-person care to local kids.
• Introduce assessment and follow-up services, ensuring children receive appropriate diagnoses, treatment and long-term care plans.
• Enhance facilities to create dedicated spaces where kids with behavioral health needs can find comfort, heal and learn skills.

“Investing in pediatric health is an investment in the overall strength and vitality of our region.” said Rochelle Sweetman, director of health care at Marsh McLennan Agency. “Healthy children grow into healthy adults who contribute to more productive, engaged and resilient communities. This philanthropic partnership will make an impact for generations to come.”

Marsh McLennan Agency’s gift also will help provide the use of screening tools to assess the emotional health of every patient admitted to Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“Early screening for behavioral health concerns in children is a critical step in ensuring better long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Joe Segeleon, vice president, medical officer at Sanford Children’s. “With this gift, we can implement a program that includes comprehensive assessment initiatives and follow-up services specific to pediatric behavioral health, equipping children and families with the care and support they need to thrive.”