The American Psychiatric Foundation is giving grants to four organizations providing vital mental health awareness and education projects in 2003. Two of these grants will provide much-needed support for mental health education to high school students.

The Mental Illness Needs Discussion Sessions received a $40,000 grant for its MINDS program, which encourages students to ask questions and to speak freely about mental health concerns and mental illness. Participants learn facts about the human brain and basic descriptions and symptomatology of illnesses such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder, suicide prevention, and addiction. PET scans showing the difference between a "normal" brain and a brain with signs of a mental disorder seek to show students that mental disorders are real and a medical problem that can be successfully treated.

Youth violence and violence prevention are targeted by the American Psychiatric Association Alliance essay contest known as "When Not to Keep a Secret," which received a grant of $16,300. Students are asked to write about a time or circumstance when it would be permissible to break a confidence to avoid a life-threatening situation. To write a successful essay, students must confront harsh truths and explore a high level of ethical thinking and behavior.

The impressive collaboration of Minnesota Public Radio, National Public Radio, and American Radio Works received a grant of $25,000 to fund the "Troubles in the Mind" program. This radio program explores the leading causes and treatments of debilitating conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. The show seeks to document the threat that these disorders present to public health and personal wellness and the controversies over how, and whether, society should respond to the challenges of mental illness.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance received a grant of $50,000 in support of its Men and Depression Awareness Project.This national campaign will increase the awareness and understanding of depression in men. This is an often-overlooked subject that the organization is seeking to shed light on.

Grants provide by the American Psychiatric Foundation are supported by the generous contributions of APA members, corporations, and other donors.

"The foundation is proud to partner with the above organizations on such important education programs that raise awareness of key mental health issues and the important role that psychiatry plays in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness," said Abram Hostetter, M.D., president of the foundation.

More information about the foundation is posted on the Web at www.PsychFoundation.org. ▪

Ms. Sayer is a development officer at the American Psychiatric Foundation.