Ryan Huffman Sponsors Upturn Program At Ymca Northumberland To Help Others
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Ryan Huffmans story is one of a 15-year struggle with alcoholism and drug dependency, eventually taking him to a dark place where he viewed suicide as his only option.
The Cobourg realtors story, fortunately, didnt end there. Its also one of courage the courage to admit alcohol and drugs had taken a heavy toll on his mental health, and the courage to seek help.
Now, Huffman has fully recovered thanks to a number of factors, including keeping his head clear through exercise, a thriving real estate business with partner Ashley Crews and a determination to be a beacon for others seeking help through a partnership with YMCA Northumberland in Cobourg.
I have an amazing family I have an amazing partner , said Huffman. Life has never been better.
You have your moments and you have your days, but in the grand scheme of things, I have never been healthier.”
It was Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2019: Its a day most celebrate love, but for Huffman, who was 36 at the time, it was the day he wanted to end his life.
The day before, he had a brush with the law. He holed up at a hotel in Beaverton and called his mother in what he believed would be their final conversation.
I said to my mom, the day after the incident involving me and the law, I told her this would be the last time she would hear my voice. I bunkered into this hotel thinking that this was it.
With files from Sarah Hyatt
For Every 10 People In A Doctors Office Seven Are There Seeking Care For Reasons Related To Behavioral Health According To The American Medical Association These Issues Can Include Depression Anxiety Nutrition And Drinking Or Drug Use Problems
Behavioral health describes the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit, including how behaviors like eating habits, drinking or exercising impact physical or mental health. Catholic Charities Behavior Health program provides counseling to individuals, couples, and families suffering from mental health and substance use challenges. Through our thorough case management services, we have a team in place to offer resources to those finding themselves in need of assistance.
American Foundation For Suicide Prevention
Mission: AFSP is a voluntary health organization whose mission is to support those affected by suicide through research, education, and advocacy, with local chapters in all 50 states.
Founded in 1987, AFSP works toward the following strategies:
- Fund scientific research
- Educate the public about suicide prevention and mental health
- Advocate for public policies in suicide prevention and mental health
- Support those affected by suicide and survivors of suicide loss
One public policy priority for AFSP includes support and funding for the 988 crisis response system, which is a new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that will be operational nationwide by July 2022.
AFSP also offers a variety of funding opportunities for research, especially in the following priority areas for 2020-2022:
- Suicide prevention research involves underrepresented communities, disparities in health care access, and researchers from underrepresented communities.
- Evaluation of technological tools currently in use with the hopes of expanding access for suicide prevention.
- Research related to the survivors of suicide loss and understanding the process of healing.
There are several ways to help with AFSPs important work. Every year, local chapters host the Out of the Darkness walks which are inspiring, collective fundraising events.
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About Centre For Addiction And Mental Health Foundation:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation is a two-star charity with a high results reporting grade and high funding reserves that can cover grant spending for over nine years. The charity is financially transparent but has overhead spending outside of Ci’s reasonable range.
Founded in 1988, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation is the fundraising arm for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario. CAMH is the largest mental health and addiction hospital in Canada. The charity reports that around 450 million people across the globe struggle with mental illness, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. It reports that one in two Canadians have had a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. According to CAMH Foundation, 4,000 Canadians per year die by suicide, an average of almost 11 suicides per day. The charity gives grants in five main areas: Research, Capital and Redevelopment, Programs, Education, and Public Awareness. In F2022, it granted a total of $27.1m, representing a 27% decrease from the previous year.
Research represented 68% of grant spending in F2022. The foundation funds mental health research in three areas: brain science, policy and prevention, and personalized care. The charity aims to revolutionize our understanding of mental illness through its research. In F2022, CAMH Foundation wrote 984 peer-reviewed articles. It also funded 21 research chair positions during the year.
Top 13 Mental Health Charities Making A Big Impact
According to National Alliance on Mental Illness , 1 out of 5 US adults experiences mental illness every year. And as highlighted by WHO , people living with severe mental health conditions die prematurely, as much as 2 decades early. These are all shocking and disheartening numbers and make clear the prominent threat this condition poses to human lives.
Although mental illness is so common, there is still a lot of misunderstanding and stigma associated with it and often its difficult for individuals to seek the help they need. Thats where these ten great mental health charities step in.
Through advocacy, research, education, treatment services, and destigmatization, these charities all work in some way to make life better for those living with mental health issues and their families.
In this article, well look at the following charities:
There are so many more charities making a difference in the mental health field, but these, in particular, offer compelling programs, research, and support.
If you or a loved one are in a crisis, consider calling one of these helplines for immediate support:
- NAMI: 800-950-6264, open M-F 10am 10pm ET
- AFSP: Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741
Keep reading to learn more about these organizations and their work.
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National Institute Of Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse
The mission of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is to generate and disseminate fundamental knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health and well-being and apply that knowledge to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems. NIAAA conducts and supports alcohol-related research, coordinating and collaborating with other research institutes. The organization also collaborates with international, national, state, and local institutions, organizations, agencies, and programs engaged in alcohol-related work.
Watch The October 2021 Launch Event Highlights Video
Perceptions of addiction need to change. We need to build compassion and understanding around addiction and support people to ask for help without judgement, discrimination or stigma. Anyone can be affected by addiction and everyone deserves the help they need to overcome it. Anyone ready to ask for help should be listened to with empathy and understanding and have the opportunity to access the specialist support they need.
Addiction is a serious mental illness that has a devastating impact on peoples lives. This must be recognised at all levels of government and society, through healthcare and mental health policy and provision and through support services across the UK. This recognition must be matched with support that works with people to overcome addiction and bring about positive change in their lives.
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Catholic Charities Opens New Addiction Recovery Program In Mercer County
People struggling to overcome opioid addiction are more vulnerable to the coronavirus because of its impact on respiratory and pulmonary health. At the same time, theyre more likely to experience homelessness or incarceration, which puts them at higher risk of catching and transmitting the virus.Thats
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is an organization that funds grants for mental health research around the world. 100% of donations to the organization are invested in their grants, and they have funded more than $430 million of research since 1987.
They fund grants for research on all different types of mental illness, and they host a full breakdown of dollars granted to each illness on their website.
AFSP is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action against suicide.
AFSP engages in the following Five Core Strategies:
- Funding scientific research
- Offering educational programs for professionals
- Educating the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
- Promoting policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
- Providing programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in the work of the Foundation
AFSP is also the largest private funder of suicide prevention research.
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Foundation For Alcoholism Research
This organization was founded in 2008 with the objective of raising funds for research in areas involving the causes, identification, prevention, detection, treatment and cure of alcoholism. For those who give to this organization, 100% of donations received funds valuable research into the development of effective medical treatments for alcohol dependence and addiction. As an organization, FAR does not presume to know the answers to what help is needed they fund the research in order to find those answers.
In addition to these addiction advocacy charities, there are countless other similar organizations in existence nationwide and around the world. If you are looking to give to a charity that can make a different in the lives of addict and help shatter the stigma surrounding addiction, addiction advocacy-based charities are excellent avenues to give your money as well as your time.
Strictly Come Dancing: Tony Adams Applauded For Raising Mental Health And Addiction Awareness
The Cotswolds-based star encouraged people to ‘reach out for help’
Tony Adams said he took part in Strictly Come Dancing to promote awareness for mental health and addiction. The former Arsenal player was forced to quit the show tonight after suffering a shock injury.
After his departure was confirmed, Tony spoke to presenter Tess Daly about his time in the competition. He admitted it had been “emotional” and that he “cried for the first month”.
The Cotswolds-based star said: “I came in here with one message – if you’ve got an issue with mental health or an addiction issue, please don’t suffer in silence. Reach out for help.”
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In his final performance, Tony and partner Katya Jones performed a Jive to Land Of 1,000 Dances by Wilson Pickett. They were scored 24 points and found themselves in the dreaded dance-off.
However, he was unable to compete after suffering an injury. After completing the 1960s-inspired routine, in which he performed a roly poly, Tony was in “a lot of pain”.
Fans of the show took to Twitter to congratulate him on his journey. Some viewers applauded his message about mental health.
@Sazzyness said: “Sad to see Tony go, he’s been a joy to watch every weekend & progressed so much from the first week. He should be so proud & I’m sure his message about mental health will help so many watching. #Strictly.”
for more TV and celebrity news.
READ MORE:
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How Your Gift Will Be Used
Your gift helps the Foundation respond to urgent need across various areas of the addiction and mental health care system.
Says Jill Kelland,
I left a gift in my will because I saw the promising direction of the Foundation, particularly for youth. It was the first time I truly felt there was a cause that would spend my money the way I wanted.
The generosity of donors:
- Creates modern, well-designed mental health treatment spaces that contribute to healing and the therapeutic benefit of services
- Helps address the immediate needs of those suffering with mental illness and addiction by offering access to needed services
- Funds support systems that empower patients to get and benefit from the help they need, whenever they need it
- Supports breakthroughs in research that can change how mental health and addiction are thought and talked about.
- Strengthens community members ability to uplift each other from skill-building workshops to virtual seminars
Your support matters. More lives changed. More lives saved. A better future starts with you, today.
State And Municipal Health Departments
State governments provide another source of information and resources for mental health and substance use disorder services and care. These can usually be found through the states department of health and human services.
While the offerings and information available may vary from state to state, most governments provide access to mental health information and public treatment services, as well as accreditation or licensing of and information about private treatment programs throughout their jurisdiction.
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Taking Action On Addiction
Following the merger of The Forward Trust and Action on Addiction, who have united their efforts to create a powerful force for recovery from addiction at a time when there couldnt be a greater need for these services, the Taking Action On Addiction website has been launched, dedicated to the Taking Action on Addiction campaign and all of its activities including Addiction Awareness Week.
Taking Action on Addiction is a large-scale, multi-partner, public-facing campaign which aims to reframe existing perceptions of addiction and build awareness of the causes and nature of addiction that improves understanding, reduces prejudice and enables more people to ask for and receive help. It calls for addiction to be treated as a serious mental health condition, and for increased access to treatment, support and care so that recovery can be possible for everyone.
The campaign was launched during Addiction Awareness Week running October 18-24, 2021
Support Mental Health Organizations Making A Difference
With so many people lacking access to good quality, appropriate mental health services, resources are needed now more than ever. Investing in solving the mental health crisis has become paramount. To support mental health organizations making a difference, consider donating them your time and/or money.
If youâre a mental health organization looking for ways to increase your donations and ensure financial sustainability for your nonprofit, the simplest thing to do is to set up online fundraising forms with an online donation platform like GiveForms. Then, all you need to do is share the link, and the rest is taken care of. The process becomes hassle-free for both you and your donors. Online donation forms are also shareable, which increases your chances of reaching your fundraising goals!
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The National Council For Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health works to provide adequate and professional care for the more than eight million adults and children who suffer from mental illness in the United States. They train individuals around the country to identify and connect people with local mental health addiction resources. Support the cause at thenationalcouncil.org, and follow this helpful charity on Twitter at @nationalcouncil.
Awesome Addiction Recovery Charities That You Should Know About
A few weeks back, I wrote about a wonderful organization called The Herren Project and all they are doing for the recovery community in raising awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds addiction.
In this article, I felt it was time to spotlight some other addiction recovery charities that are doing great work in spreading the message that recovery from substance abuse is possible. These recovery charities may not get the gloss, but they work tirelessly educate, advocate and raise funds to provide programs that help those struggling in addiction get the fresh start they deserve as recovering people.
The following are 5 examples of addiction recovery charities that you need to check out and maybe put your time, voice and money behind. These organizations are helping to strengthen our recovery community and give it a stronger voice. Take some time and check out what they have to offer.
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Brain And Behavior Research Foundation
Mission: To alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness through awarding grants to support research and significant scientific breakthroughs.
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation was founded in 1987. Theyre the nations #1 non-governmental funder of mental health research grants. Brain and Behavior Research Foundation has provided grant funding to more than 5,000 scientists in over 560 institutions around the world.
Some research theyve supported in the past includes research into deep-brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, rapid-acting antidepressants, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
The foundation offers 3 kinds of grants for direct funding for scientists:
- Young Investigator Grant, is awarded to the most promising young scientist conducting neurobiological research.
- Independent Investigator Grant, which sustains scientists through the initiation of research through the securing of sustained funding.
- Distinguished Investigator Grant, which provides support for experienced scientists conducting neurobiological research.
Along with these grants, the foundation provides a variety of awards and prizes to recognize and support innovative research.
Their educational programming includes:
100% of donations to research do actually go to fund research. They have separate operational grants to help support the costs of running the foundation. This means that you can donate with the peace of mind that your donation is going straight to research.
Athletes Challenge Each Other For Charity
Athletes participated in Drop the Puck for Mental Health Foundation, in that for every $2 donated, donors can designate one of the athletes to complete 1 mile of physical activity. The fundraiser raised nearly $8,000 for the foundation.
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National Institute For Mental Health
Mission: To transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
NIMH is a federal agency that focuses on researching mental disorders with the goal to increase understanding and treatment options. They are part of the National Institutes of Health along with 27 other Institutes and Centerswhich make up the largest biomedical research agency in the world.
NIMHs most recent strategic plan outlines the following primary goals:
Along with their interior research , another of NIMHs activities includes funding mental health research across the country. Their research funding program supports more than 2,000 grants and contracts at universities and other institutions all over the country.
NIMH also has a strong research training program that focuses on training and professional development to prepare researchers for conducting new research in the field that will support the goals of the institute.
Recent research conducted by NIMH includes assessing suicide risk in mothers before and after giving birth, mapping brain proportions over the lifespan, and addressing the need for rapid-acting suicide intervention.
