This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to turn awareness into action by supporting trusted charities helping those impacted by mental health challenges.

Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in America

For over 75 years, May has been National Mental Health Awareness Month, conceived to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health. This year’s theme is “Turning Awareness into Action,” emphasizing improving mental health through engaging communities.

According to the CDC, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, or approximately one death every 11 minutes. According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, close to 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness every year and a disproportionate number of those deaths were among men and the elderly. Studies also show that veterans are commonly 1.5 times higher than non-veterans.

Most people know of friends, family members or coworkers or others suffering from mental health issues such as:

• Addiction
• ADHC
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Eating disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Personality disorders

Over 20% of children are either currently or will at some point experience a seriously debilitating mental disorder. However, the Department of Education recently confirmed $1 billion in cuts to school mental health grants citing a conflict of priorities. Newsweek reported that there may also be cuts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. According to a 2024 national survey by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide and crisis prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Support Trusted Mental Health Charities

When considering giving to charities supporting mental health, look for accredited charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Below we have listed some of these groups to consider helping:

• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), which operates a grant program funding scientific research into causes, cures, and prevention of mental illness such as depression schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, OCD and PTSD.
• Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness and includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research.
• NAMI works to build better lives for those with mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and research. NAMI volunteers oversee peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.
• Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services such as outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional services to aid wounded veterans and service members. The organization also offers financial education, employment assistance, and benefits assistance.

If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, please seek help immediately by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Lifeline.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Pulmonary Hypertension Association
• World Renew
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.