A Conversation with Dr. Ronald Dwinnells: Leadership, Mental Health, and His Mission to Help Children
Today, Betsy is very excited to highlight the inspiring work of Dr. Ronald Dwinnells—a healthcare executive, educator, medical researcher, and pediatrician with over 40 years of experience. As the CEO of One Health Ohio and the founder and president of the Butterflies and Hope Memorial Foundation, Dr. Dwinnells has dedicated his career to improving healthcare access and mental health awareness. He’s also an award-winning author, best known for his books Thirty Days Hath September: A Novel and Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs: Lessons for Life & Leadership.
Dr. Dwinnells was a guest on the blog back in September, where we had a fascinating discussion about Thirty Days Hath September, his novel that explores deep and meaningful themes. In our latest conversation, we delved into his lifelong mission to support children and young people facing behavioral and mental health challenges.
The Mission of Butterflies and Hope Memorial Foundation
One of the most inspiring aspects of Dr. Dwinnells’ work is his nonprofit foundation, Butterflies and Hope Memorial Foundation. His goal? To improve the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with mental health issues. The foundation plays a crucial role in educating first responders on how to recognize and support young people affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)—traumatic events that can lead to long-term behavioral and health problems.
Dr. Dwinnells founded the organization as a way to honor his parents’ memory while making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. His passion for this cause is evident in the work he does, including climbing mountains around the world to raise funds for the foundation!
Mental Health, Medication, and the Stigma Around Seeking Help
Our conversation took a deep dive into the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among young people. Dr. Dwinnells shared his insights on the rising use of ADHD and anxiety medications and why mental health struggles seem more widespread today than ever before.
One particularly eye-opening part of our discussion was the stigma surrounding mental health care for physicians. Many doctors fear professional consequences if they seek mental health treatment, which can have devastating effects on their well-being. Dr. Dwinnells passionately advocates for breaking this stigma and creating a culture where healthcare professionals—and people in general—can ask for help without fear of judgment.
He also emphasized the importance of changing how we raise boys, teaching them that it’s okay to express emotions without being seen as weak. This shift is crucial in breaking cycles of emotional suppression that can lead to lifelong struggles with mental health.
SBIRT: A Vital Sign for Behavioral Health
Another critical topic we covered was Dr. Dwinnells’ research on SBIRT—a screening tool for early identification, diagnosis, and referral of behavioral health issues in community healthcare settings. Just as we routinely check vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate, Dr. Dwinnells believes that mental health screenings should be a standard part of primary care. This proactive approach could help countless individuals get the support they need before crises arise.A New Book on the Horizon: Climbing Jacob’s Ladder
Exciting news
Dr. Dwinnells has a new book in the works! Climbing Jacob’s Ladder tells the powerful story of a young boy with cerebral palsy, one of Dr. Dwinnells’ former patients. Betsy can’t wait to read this book and have Dr. Dwinnells back for another discussion once it’s published!
Learn More & Support the Cause
Dr. Ronald Dwinnells’ work is truly inspiring, and I highly recommend checking out his books and learning more about his foundation:
📖 Thirty Days Hath September – Available on Amazon
🌍 Learn more about Butterflies and Hope Memorial Foundation and Dr. Dwinnells’ work: rondwinnells.com
Dr. Dwinnells is a tireless advocate for mental health, a dedicated physician, and a leader who truly cares about making a difference. If you’re passionate about mental health awareness and leadership, his work is something you don’t want to miss!
We are providing the audio interview for you to listen to the information that is discussed with Betsy Wurzel and Dr.Dwinnells:
Contact Information:
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