Sprawling new health research facility in SLC to open in 2026
Image supplied, Huntsman Mental Health Institute
This rendering shows a planned 185,000-square-foot mental health research facility to be built by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. It is set to open in 2026.The Huntsman Mental Health Institute is building a 185,000-square-foot mental health research building set to open in 2026.
The Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building will be dedicated to innovating health research and clinical care. The building will house a team of researchers, scientists, doctors and educators focused on improving knowledge of the brain. It will also reportedly have the world’s only 7 Tesla MRI dedicated to brain research.
Ground was broken Monday at the site, located east of the institute in Salt Lake City.
“Mental health touches everyone’s family, regardless of faith, status, neighborhood or history,” said Christena Huntsman Durham, executive vice president of the Huntsman Foundation. “Our family stands with families who, like ours, have been impacted by mental health disorders. Together, we are committed to ensuring that the Translational Research Building becomes a vibrant hub of innovation and progress in mental health research that our community urgently needs.”
The World Health Organization has reported a 13% increase in mental health issues over the last decade. About 970 million people, including 14% of the world’s youth, experience mental issues or drug abuse.
“The Utah Translational Research Building will enable Huntsman Mental Health Institute to deliver the research, care and treatment options to combat one of our nation’s most critical health crises,” said Dr. Mark Rapaport, CEO of HMHI. “We want to create a place that will help us bring in a new era of knowledge, hope and healing for everyone.”
The building will create a working lab for researchers and educators to come together with experts in artificial intelligence, science, translational science, public policy, business and law in holistic ways to address mental health issues, including suicide, mental health for rural and underserved populations, and child and young adult mental health.
Translational research is aimed at translating results that directly benefit humans.
The building is funded by private donors and the Utah Legislature.