Paul Richard and Edward Manzi of The SHINE Initiative (All-New Episode)

In an all-new episode, Steve D'Agostino, principal of Best Rate of Climb, interviews Executive Director Paul Richard (shown, left) and Advisory Board Chair Edward Manzi (shown, right) of The SHINE Initiative. They talk about shining a light on mental illness in young people.

The basis of the mission is elemental. Half – that’s right, half – of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. At any time, as many as one in five children and teens will suffer from symptoms of a mental disorder. 

The SHINE Initiative is working to expand the arc of light needed to make mental illness a mainstream health concern. The organization is doing this by collaborating with respected providers of mental-health services, to promote and fund their work with youth and families throughout Central Massachusetts.

 The SHINE Initiative is funding research projects that are moving steps closer to better understanding the causes of mental illness and pointing to advanced treatments. It’s also working with school systems, advocates and organizations, to raise awareness of mental illness and its impact on young people and their caregivers.

Edward Manzi is also CEO of Fidelity Bank as well as a major force behind the creation of the SHINE Initiative.