IU, Irsay Family Partner on Mental Health Institute

Indiana University has announced plans to establish a new research institute focused on the stigma of mental health, thanks in part to a $3 million gift from the Irsay family, owners of the Indianapolis Colts. IU says the new Irsay Family Research Institute will be located on the Bloomington campus.

The university says the gift is an extension of Kicking the Stigma, the Irsay family’s initiative to raise awareness about mental health disorders and to remove the shame and stigma associated with the illnesses. It was launched in 2020.

“The stigma surrounding mental health is a matter of life and death, and we must do everything possible to lessen that stigma and remove this obstacle to people getting the help they need,” said Colts Owner & Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay. “Indiana University already has been one of the world’s leaders in studying mental health, and we’re so pleased this outstanding resource is in our home state so together we can advance this important conversation.”

IU says the new program will focus on providing direct support and development of research and researchers interested in mental health, producing more graduates who are trained to work in the mental health field, and developing a broader local and national policy agenda relating to mental health and stigma.

“We are honored that the Indianapolis Colts have chosen Indiana University to develop and carry out the research needed to build the scientific foundation for ending the stigma of mental illness and to work together to confront discrimination that other medical problems face,” said Bernice Pescosolido, a professor of Sociology who will lead the institute. “As the first professional sports franchise to step out front to confront stigma of mental illness, the Colts display the courage and vision to fight prejudice in health and health care.”

IU says Pescosolido has developed and led national stigma studies for more than 25 years.