The American Psychiatric Foundation continued its ongoing efforts to advance public understanding of mental illnesses by awarding more than $145,000 in early 2005 to organizations whose innovative educational, informational and outreach initiatives promote the early recognition and treatment of mental illness.

Mental illness is common and, despite significant advances in care, often goes untreated. It is estimated that nearly 54 million Americans suffer from a mental disorder of some type, yet only 8 million actually seek treatment. Six million older Americans suffer from late life depression yet only 10% actually receive care.

"The foundation is committed to funding initiatives that promote awareness of mental illness, the effectiveness of treatment and the importance of early intervention," said Altha J. Stewart, M.D., president of the American Psychiatric Foundation. "We are pleased to provide grants to these worthy organizations, and we look forward to continuing our work over the coming years."

In early 2005, three organizations received funding, including:

-- Anxiety Disorders Association of America, which was granted $62,550 for its project Campus Faces, which will partner with campus health centers and sororities to increase awareness of anxiety disorders among young women. The project will teach women that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable illnesses and that help is available. Messages will be disseminated through partnership networks, public service announcements, news stories, postcards and a Web site.

-- Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, which received $27,417 for its I.C. Hope/ Don't Duck Mental Health Campaign which teaches children that mental health is equally as important as physical health. The campaign features a six-foot duck mascot named I.C. Hope that visits community organizations, schools and events in Sedgwick County, Kan., to teach children that mental illnesses are real and treatable. In addition, the campaign utilizes a hand-puppet, a Web site, and written materials for both children and parents.

-- Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, which was granted $55,835 for a multimedia public awareness campaign that will educate employers and consumers in nine counties in southern Mississippi about mental illnesses. The campaign will include print ads, television commercials and fact sheets that dispel myths about the employment of persons with mental illness. The primary goal of the program is to increase the employment level of consumers with mental illness in these counties.

For a full list of grants made during 2003 and 2004, visit the foundation's Web site at psychfoundation.

The American Psychiatric Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of the American Psychiatric Association. The mission of the foundation is to advance understanding that mental illnesses are real and can be effectively treated. For more information, please visit the foundation's Web site:
psychfoundation