Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is launching Team THRIVE, a research initiative focused on improving mental health outcomes for Black children ages 6–11 who experience attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study addresses a critical and growing concern: Black children with ADHD report suicidal thoughts more frequently than their peers and face a higher risk of suicide.
As part of this effort, Lurie Children’s has formed a community advisory board made up of parents, caregivers, community leaders, and professionals who work closely with children and families. The advisory board plays a vital role in shaping the study by sharing lived experiences, identifying barriers and strengths in existing ADHD resources, and providing feedback on research findings. Community insight helps ensure the research is grounded, culturally responsive, and relevant to the families it aims to serve.
On December 3, 2025, the advisory board met for the first time to discuss study goals, including recruiting 320 Black children with ADHD and their families to participate in the two-year research study. The meeting marked an important step in building collaborative partnerships between researchers and the community.
Team THRIVE seeks to better understand how factors such as stress, school experiences, family dynamics, and community support contribute to mental health outcomes for Black children with ADHD. The long-term goal is to use these findings to inform effective, community-centered suicide prevention strategies. Through partnership and shared expertise, Lurie Children’s aims to help Black children not only manage ADHD but truly thrive.
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Pictured above at the board's first meeting: community advisory board members and Lurie Children's representatives (L-to-R): LaVonte Stewart, Sr., Lost Boyz, Inc.; Erica Dogan, parent; Dr. Audrey Brewer, Attending Physician, Advanced General Pediatrics, Lurie Children's; Dr. Andrea Spencer, Vice Chair for Research, Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Lurie Children's; Sharonda Owens, parent; Taylor Harris, Behavioral Research Coordinator, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Lurie Children's; Kryztal Pena, Behavioral Research Coordinator, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Lurie Children's; Debra Vines, The Answer, Inc.; Dr. Patricia Blessman-Jones; Dr. Obari Cartman, Chicago Association of Black Psychologists; and Darryl Dennard, Apostolic Church of God. Virtual participants included Donald Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc.; Dr. Darrian Murphy, Advocates Children’s Hospital; Dr. Tasha Green Cruzat, Children’s Advocate For Change; and Daniel Allen, Divine Purpose Youth Preforming Arts Center.
