From my heart to yours- THANK YOU.
As I look back on 2016, I am extremely pleased with the progress we’ve made towards a mentally healthier America. This year we have hosted 2 mental health events in partnership with the Urban League Young Professionals, continued a free monthly parenting group for South Florida moms, and was invited to the White House for their “Making Healthcare Better Series” on Suicide Prevention. I’m also proud to say that this year we won 2 major victories! In the House of Representatives with the passing of H.R. 2646, The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015—a bill that promotes the integration of early intervention and screening for mental illness in primary care. Secondly, in Bringing Postpartum Depression (PPD) Out of the Shadows Act which passed in the House and Senate as part of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. This Act includes a section addressing treatment and screening for maternal depression. This legislation supports helping women suffering from PPD and offers federal funding to train health care providers to screen and treat mothers.
In summary, all of this and more continues to be possible because of your support. Your donations have truly made a difference in our efforts to stop the stigma of mental health issues in diverse communities. Through advocacy, education, research, and service, we are being the change we hope to see in our communities.
I sincerely Thank you once again and I look forward to our future partnerships to help families find harmony, hope, and healing through mental wellness.
Merry Christmas!
Shine on,
Debbie