A message from Children’s Hospital’s President & CEO

Lou Fragoso | President & CEO

It is hard to be a kid today. Mental illness and the demand for psychological services are at all-time highs. Our children are facing violence, depression, anxiety, food and housing insecurity – and other challenges. And we cannot expect parents, teachers, school nurses, and counselors to do it alone. Children’s Hospital New Orleans is here to stand in that gap, and is proud to offer Behavioral Health services for kids that are among the most comprehensive in the country. Over the last several years, we have significantly expanded mental and behavioral health services, including opening one of the largest behavioral health hospitals in the country with 51 beds dedicated just for kids and adolescents in crisis. And we are brining resources to kids where they are with innovative school-based partnerships that infuse resources into schools with a proactive, well-care approach to keep kids happy, healthy and learning. This is how we change the health of a generation – together.

Learn more about our programs and services, and join the fight for mental health.

Lucio A. Fragoso

President & CEO

Children’s Hospital New Orleans


A message from Emma


The film team

Emma Benoit | Activist & Survivor

Emma Benoit is a deeply passionate suicide prevention activist, survivor, and public speaker. She has shared her powerful story and message with thousands of people at events including: LivingWorks and California Department of Education Youth Summit, National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Conference, LSU School of Social Work Conference, Arkansas Youth Mental Health Conference, Hope Rising Suicide Prevention Summit and the Hope Squad National Conference.

Greg Dicharry | Filmmaker

Greg Dicharry is a filmmaker and mental health advocate who has received awards for his work in youth mental health from some of the nation's leading organizations including Mental Health America, SAMHSA, The National Council for Behavioral Health and Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. He is also the founder of SmileStyle Entertainment and prior to My Ascension he co-directed and produced the 2018 Award winning film Suicide the Ripple Effect.