Institute for Human Behavioral Genetics

The vision of Avera IHBG began in the minds of Dr. Stanley and his colleague, Dr. Timothy Soundy, child and adolescent psychiatrist with Avera University Psychiatry Associates. The physicians shared their vision with Fred Slunecka, Avera McKennan regional president, who also saw the possibilities. A commitment from Avera McKennan of $1.5 million over three years is supporting the project, along with grants and contributions from philanthropic donors.

Drs. Stanley and Soundy heard a conference presentation by Dr. James Hudziak, internationally known child psychiatrist and genetic researcher, and scientific consultant for the Avera IHBG, who connected with the idea, and agreed to work as a consultant on the project. Together, the team has shaped and honed the vision.

"We're talking about very real, very interventional studies. We see outselves providing a service to the community immediately, but at the same time drawing research out of it so that our efforts will have an even greater impact in the future," Dr. Stanley said.

The focus of Avera IHBG is two-fold. Through a family based approach, community-based programs will focus on maternal health, early childhood and school-age children, at-risk families and special populations. For those who suffer psychiatric illness, Avera IHBG visionaries hope to create state-of-the-art Centers of Excellence that will focus on specific disorders.

Avera IHBG is set apart merely by its location within the 110-bed Avera Behavioral Health Center, with a large team of mental health professionals under the same roof. But even more unique is its partnerships, including the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, the University of South Dakota, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, and other local community partners.

"The current scientific and clinical expertise that we have today, and the rapid development of key community partnerships are aspects that make us truly unique. That's what will make us one of a kind, and it's something that I believe we should be proud of," said Ryan Hansen, administrative director for Avera IHBG.

Ultimately, work through Avera IHBG could change the way psychiatrists treat patients. But even with all of this promise, Dr. Hudziak keeps it all in perspective. "Our mission is pretty simple," said Dr. Hudziak. "We want to keep children and families well."