BWFH celebrates gift supporting psychiatry programs

At an afternoon tea reception honoring the Ashton Family gift, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital President Michael Gustafson, MD, MBA, announced a series of planned improvements to 2 South, BWFH’s inpatient psychiatry unit, as well as the continuation of the peer support program both on 2 South and in the Partial Hospital Program, all thanks in part to the family’s generous financial contributions.

“This is a very exciting time for psychiatry and behavioral health at BWFH,” Dr. Gustafson said. “On the inpatient side, we’re very excited that we are able to make some physical enhancements.” Those enhancements, partially funded by the Ashton Family gift, include creating two new private rooms, improving group and dining spaces and constructing an outdoor space, which will be named the Ashton Family Terrace. A portion of the Ashton Family gift will also be used to fund the music program on 2 South.

Most importantly, the Ashton Family gift will be used to establish the Ashton Family Psychiatry Endowment, which will be used for peer support programs on 2 South and in the Partial Hospital Program. It’s a cause close to Judy Ashton’s heart, as she played a role in establishing the peer support program at BWFH and has dedicated countless hours to it as a peer support volunteer. Partial Hospital Program Clinical Director Elizabeth Keller, PsyD, RN, who was initially apprehensive of peer support, was on hand at the tea and said of Ashton, “Her contributions have proved invaluable.”

To conclude the tea, Ashton’s dear friend and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School Gordon Harper, MD, was invited to speak. Dr. Harper shared his thoughts on “Linking Acute Psychiatric Care to a Recovery Vision” with an audience of clinical professionals, hospital leadership and Ashton’s friends and family.

In addition to being a generous financial contributor and dedicated volunteer with over 3,000 hours supporting 2 South and the Partial Hospital Program, Judy Ashton is a retired attorney, former BWFH patient and a long-time member of BWFH’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.

You Too Can Make A Difference

Your gift to Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital makes a difference in the lives of patients in the community every day. You can help keep psychiatry services close to home for you, your family and your friends and neighbors. There are many ways you can give. Some gifts can offer significant tax advantages or even pay you a guaranteed income for life.

To learn more about how you can support Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital and the Ashton Family Psychiatry Endowment, please contact Betsy Cross, Director of Development, at 617-983-7605. Or you may make a gift directly online.