Weissman Children's Foundation COVID Mental Health Relief Initiative Evidence-Based Care for Everyone Dear Ioby Team, My team and I at The Child & Family Institute and the Weissman Children's Foundation (new non-profit in development- incorporation/501(c)(3) status pending), are very excited to launch our COVID Mental Health Relief Initiative. We hope you will partner with us in this effort! I was referred to IOBY by a friend who thought this might be a great platform for us to consider partnering with, and that we may be eligible for your NYC matching programs. I have also donated to his fundraising campaigns through IOBY in the past. A little about our mission and organization: As this country fights the twin pandemics of civil liberty and the COVID pandemic, those of us concerned about mental health are waging a battle against a third “hidden” pandemic. The federal government and insurance companies still deny high-quality, effective mental and behavioral healthcare to those without means. It is up to us to take this on. The twin pandemics have heightened pre-existing mental health crises and inequities affecting our nation's youth, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, social isolation, substance abuse, suicide, behavioral challenges, family conflict, trauma and grief – all of which is disproportionately so among diverse communities. The Weissman Children's Foundation and its COVID Mental Health Relief Initiative were established with the goal of changing our nation's mental healthcare system by creating access to high-quality, affordable, evidence-based mental healthcare for all. DID YOU KNOW? As we head into the winter holiday season, COVID rates are rising just as people head indoors. Amid this growing risk to our health, a new Oxford University study tells us COVID is more directly linked to mental illness than previously known. For example: Ø 1 in 5 COVID patients were diagnosed with elevated rates of anxiety, depression and insomnia within 3 months of testing positive for the virus. Ø Unexpectedly, those with pre-existing mental health conditions were 65% more likely to be diagnosed with COVID. Ø Researchers recommend that mental illness should be regarded as an important COVID risk factor. “While there have been studies and reports warning of an impending mental health crisis prompted by widespread change, uncertainty, and isolation amid social distancing measures, the scope of this research really highlights the magnitude of the problem,” states a Forbes report on the study. At the Weissman Children’s Foundation and The Child & Family Institute, we have been voicing our concern about this now proven link between COVID and increased mental illness in children, families and young adults – and how it disproportionately affects diverse communities. With this new evidence, we hope there will be better support from the federal government and insurance companies to provide high-quality mental health services to those without means. Through our foundation, we aim to remain a step ahead and help families in need now. To date, we have served 119 underserved families with a goal of 150 families by year end. And we have raised more than $25,000 (in 3 weeks) of our year-end $40,000 goal. We’re building momentum. Please join us and help us help underserved children and families in need. It takes a village to reshape the mental health landscape in our country – and to help those struggling among us now. With much love and gratitude, Adam Adam S. Weissman, Ph.D. Founding President, CEO, and Chief Psychologist Weissman Children's Foundation Recipient of the 2020 American Psychological Association Distinguished Contributions Award