The Irsay Institute was founded in 2021, enabled by a generous gift from the Irsay Family. “The Irsay” is dedicated to direct support and development of research and researchers interested in health and health care through outreach, education, and research. The Irsay Family in particular supports the work of the Irsay in mental health services, stigma, and workforce development. The family launched Kicking the Stigma, a comprehensive initiative to raise awareness about mental health disorders and remove the shame and stigma too often associated with these illnesses.
Founding directors of The Irsay include Dr. Bernice Pescosolido, Dr. Brea Perry, and Dr. Kosali Simon, and the institute has a founding faculty of over 20 researchers from IU Bloomington and the IU School of Medicine. The institute is housed in Morrison Hall.
