In Honor of Carl H. Lindner Jr.

Paul E. Keck, Jr., MD
President & CEO Lindner Center of HOPE
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, The Craig and Frances Lindner Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Executive Vice Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry

The news this week announcing the passing of legendary businessman, entrepreneur and great philanthropist Carl H. Lindner Jr. brings profound sadness.  It also gives pause to reflect on the enormous contributions Mr. Lindner made, not only to the city of Cincinnati, but our nation. Over a period of five decades his footprint has made more than a deep mark–it has touched countless lives and in so many instances, laid the foundation for care and treatment opportunities for those in  need. Carl H. Lindner Jr. represents what it means to be a visionary, an advocate and champion of social services across the spectrum.  From mental healthcare to children’s dyslexia learning centers, Carl Lindner Jr. is proof that we all have the ability to affect change.

Mr. Lindner recognized the tremendous unmet needs of people suffering with mental illness and understood that 1 in 4 Americans suffer from these biologically based brain disorders. Courageously, Mr. Lindner and his family became champions for mental health in this community, despite the stigma and unpopularity surrounding mental illness.  Without their generosity, Lindner Center of HOPE would not be here to serve more than 30,000 patients a year.

At Lindner Center of HOPE we believe the Lindner name on our facility has helped to bring mental health care into the spotlight, helping to increase understanding and awareness and lessen stigma. We will be forever grateful to have had the honor of knowing Mr. Lindner and we greatly appreciate his and his family’s foresight and generosity in establishing the Lindner Center of HOPE. Together they have made a enormous impact on the lives of people touched by mental illness in our community, in the region and nationwide.

It is our privilege at Lindner Center of HOPE to carry on Mr. Lindner’s legacy of quality care for people in need of mental health services. We hope others will join us in carrying this torch forward.