Savage family donates $10M to Huntsman Mental Health Foundation

The family of Utahns Neal and Sherrie Savage have made a donation of $10 million to the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, on behalf of their late parents. Gregg Savage, Melissa Layton and Emilee Savage Wright confirmed the donation to the foundation, which raises funds and awareness for the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah, to support youth mental health programs and services. 

“With this gift, we want to help as many youth in Utah as possible with their mental health,” Gregg Savage said in a release from the foundation. “We also hope the gift motivates the Utah Legislature to match or exceed the $10 million we are donating for the children of Utah.”

Neal Savage was a co-founder of the Savage family of companies and an alumnus of the University of Utah, where he played basketball for the Runnin’ Utes and was the drum major of the marching band. Sherrie and Neal both volunteered in the community and were always looking for ways to give back.

“Our parents left a legacy of generosity and giving,” said Gregg Savage. “We hope to continue that legacy through helping the next generation overcome the mental health challenges local families are facing today. We appreciate the Huntsman family’s leadership in this area and the opportunity to partner with them in this effort.”

Nationally, a concerning number of youth are struggling with mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 1 in 6 adolescents experience a major depressive episode each year, which translates to 62,000 children and teenagers in Utah struggling with depression. In Utah, 44,000 adolescents have serious suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for Utah youth ages 10-17.

The Savage family has seen firsthand how children’s mental health concerns can affect an entire family and are focused on helping ensure youth have access to care and services. Gregg’s son, Ammon, experienced significant mental health challenges and has openly shared more about his experience in a recent documentary.

The family’s gift will help Huntsman Mental Health Institute broaden access to youth mental health care, programs and resources in the coming years. The Savage family members along with Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Huntsman Mental Health Institute officials will share more specifics on the funds’ use in the coming months.

“From one family to another, we want the Savages to know just how much their gift means to families in Utah who are desperate for more options when their children are struggling,” said Christena Huntsman Durham, CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. “Their support will help more of our youth in Utah get the help they need, and we are so grateful to have them join us in this effort.”

Utah plays a nationally leading role in addressing youth mental health challenges because of the work of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Some of the youth-focused mental health programs, services and partnerships at Huntsman Mental Health Institute include:

• Outpatient clinics.

• SafeUT app available to all students, parents and teachers in Utah.

• Day treatment.

• Youth crisis care program.

• Youth residential treatment.

Those interested in contributing to this effort can contact info@hmhf.org to learn more.