May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a cause that has received increased attention in recent years due to a variety of influences, including but not limited to, recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among veterans and military service members and the rates of suicide among youth. It is unfortunate that some who suffer from mental illness are reluctant to seek treatment. A number of organizations have worked to help increase awareness of mental health issues and have made strides in changing public attitudes.

The following three mental health organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability):

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (aka NARSAD) operates a grant program that funds scientific research into the causes, treatments, cures and prevention of chronic and severe mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness. Mental wellness includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research. The organization states that it collaborates with its 169 affiliates, supporters, and policymakers to advance federal legislation, regulations, and agency activities that promote its policy statements.

NAMI seeks to build better lives for Americans affected by mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. The organization's trained volunteers oversee free peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.

In addition to the above groups there are others engaged in addressing mental health issues including a variety of veterans and military service organizations. While BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages donors to seek out charities that meet the BBB Charity Standards, it does not recommend any specific charity addressing mental illness. Contributors might consider, among other things, the type of program service(s) the organization supports (such as education, treatment, and/or research) and what population is being served by these activities.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Mary Gilberti, J.D.,  Executive Director of  NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (a  BBB Accredited Charity). Mary provides a brief overview of the NAMI activities and explains what they do to help strengthen donor trust.

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:

• Humane Society of the United States
• National Council on Aging
• Partners of the Americas

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.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance