When it opened its doors in October 2021, the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) was described by an impressive set of numbers: 116,000 square feet on a 10.2-acre property, with 42 clinic rooms, 74 research spaces, one on-site MRI suite, and three child- and sensory-friendly waiting areas.

And today this one-stop clinic and research institute, which brings together experts from across the University and M Health Fairview to foster healthy brain function from the earliest stages of development across the lifespan, is best described by a set of numbers that are even more meaningful—those that illustrate its impact on children and families.

5,300

In 2023 alone, MIDB clinicians saw more than 5,300 children and adolescents for neurobehavioral and developmental concerns including autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety for a total of 19,840 visits.

231

Supported by the Otto Bremer Trust and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, MIDB’s TeleOutreach Hub extends its reach to families across the state. The hub has provided direct support to 231 children, direct coaching to 93 caregivers, and training to about 3,300 others.

600

In the first six months after launching research-dedicated MRI services, the MIDB’s Marvin E. Goldberg, MD, Imaging Suite hosted 600 hours of scan time, leading to several new discoveries, including a potential cure for treatment-resistant depression.

77

The MIDB recently expanded its clinical care team, now totaling 77 providers, with philanthropic support from the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Foundation.

800

Clinical research participants made more than 800 visits to the MIDB, taking part in 42 unique studies.

$600,000

What’s in store for the next two years? The MIDB plans to award $600,000 in training and research funding from Minnesota Masonic Charities, introduce a new comprehensive care model for children who have autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, and expand collaborations with community-based programs in greater Minnesota.