ADS Foundation Donates $3 Million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital to Support Professional Development in Pediatric Behavioral Health

Hilliard and Columbus, Ohio (January 25, 2023) – Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) (NYSE: WMS), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and on-site septic wastewater industries and the largest plastic recycler in North America, today announced a gift of $3 million from the ADS Foundation to create the Advanced Drainage Systems Behavioral Health Professional Development Fund. This funding will provide scholarships and educational opportunities for Nationwide Children’s employees who want to grow their career in behavioral health.

“Children’s hospitals across the country are experiencing a shortage of pediatric behavioral health providers of all types,” said David Axelson, MD, chief of the Department of Psychiatry and Big Lots Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Children's. “We need behavioral health professionals throughout the continuum of care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This means we must support the education and professional development of different disciplines, such as psychiatric nurses, therapists, and mental health specialists, not just psychiatrists or psychologists. Everyone has a role to play in helping address the mental health challenges in our community.”

The fund will provide scholarships for current employees who want to pursue an advanced degree or continuing education opportunities. To promote the next generation of behavioral health professionals, the fund will also expand existing internship programs, support undergraduate internship opportunities and help those seeking a graduate degree in a behavioral health-related field.

“Addressing mental health in our community is among the top priorities for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, including the development of behavioral health professionals who can serve and help in our own community, and we’re happy to follow their lead and support them with this new investment,” said Kevin Talley, president of the ADS Foundation. “We also understand that the impact of this fund will be felt across the country as more behavioral health professionals are brought into the field to help advance quality of life for children.

The ADS Foundation has a vision to lead the way for organizations and communities in preserving clean water, promoting recycling and advancing quality of life, and we believe this is one important way we can do that in ADS’ own backyard with an impact nationwide.”

Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offer a comprehensive approach to support the behavioral, psychiatric and psychological needs of children, adolescents and their families. Care is provided by an interprofessional team – which may include a psychiatrist, physician assistant, psychiatric nurse practitioner, nurse, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or clinical counselor – to determine the best treatment options for each patient and their family.

“There simply aren’t enough behavioral health professionals in the country,” said Steve Testa, president of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We have an opportunity to lead with innovative strategies to develop the best talent. Then, we need to support them once they’re here. The amazing generosity of ADS Foundation will help us do that, and we are all grateful.” 

Learn more about this partnership by watching our latest video, and hear from both Nationwide Children's Hospital and Advanced Drainage Systems leaders.