Lee Foundation Partners with Congressmen Higgins and Reed to Launch BeKind2TheMind Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5.8.18

THE PATRICK P. LEE FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH CONGRESSMEN BRIAN HIGGINS AND TOM REED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL ILLNESSES

Buffalo, NY (May 8, 2018) – The Patrick P. Lee Foundation (Lee Foundation) announced the launch of BeKind2theMind (BeKind2theMind.org), a mental health awareness initiative. Driven by the Foundation’s grantmaking focus in mental health, BeKind2TheMind will raise awareness of mental illnesses and the need for increased public investment in mental health resources and services. Partnering with the Lee Foundation in this effort are Congressman Brian Higgins (D) and Congressman Tom Reed (R), who are committed to identifying bipartisan solutions to address our nation’s mental health needs. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and provides an opportunity to bring greater awareness of mental illness and the mental health issues facing our communities.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates one in five adults in America experiences a mental illness and nearly one in 25 adults in America lives with a serious mental illness.  Despite its prevalence, last year, 60% of those living with a mental illness did not receive mental health services.

“First and foremost, we want to raise awareness of mental illness and educate our community about its impact. Mental health needs in WNY and throughout the United States are considerable, permeating every aspect of our society,” said Jane Mogavero, Esq., Executive Director of the Lee Foundation. “There are many barriers to care including availability and affordability of services and lack of understanding about mental illness. This is a community issue that requires community solutions.  And we are thrilled that Congressman Higgins and Congressman Reed are partnering with us on this important work.”

Congressman Higgins stated, “Too many individuals and families facing mental health challenges are enduring in silence.  More can and must be done to address gaps in services and direct resources to mental health needs across our communities and our country.  We stand up and speak out because real progress will require all of us to do our part.” 

“Giving opportunity and support to people and families dealing with mental health is critical to increasing awareness in our communities and schools,” said Congressman Reed.  “I am proud to have supported mental health reform as I care about supporting programs that help address mental health issues. We can accomplish more by working together, in a bipartisan way, towards building awareness, improving treatment and finding cures for mental health issues going forward. We must all fight to end the stigma.”

To watch the video of Congressmen Higgins and Reed and to learn more about this initiative, visit BeKind2TheMind.org