|
iFred, International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression (iFred) c/o The Field of Hope PO Box 17598 Baltimore, MD 21297-1598 P. 410.268.0044 F. 443.782.0739 www.ifred.org www.depression.org foh@ifred.org |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Rebranding Depression; Bringing Depression Awareness to the Annual Field of Hope in Ghana, Africa iFred, the International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression, launches a Field of Hope in Ghana, Africa to honor, raise money for, and support depression survivors and future cases during the Global Month of Hope / Mental Health Month this May, 2009. Depression, the leading cause of suicide, increases in times of financial difficulties, and with the current economic conditions, with unemployment and foreclosure rates rising drastically, it is more important than ever that we support causes that address depression. The two most important things we can do to reduce depression is eliminate the social stigma and raise money for support and research. To help reach these goals, iFred is celebrating Mental Health Month by planting the Field of Hope with beautiful, bright sunflowers in Accra, Ghana, Africa starting on May 31st, 2009. For a small donation made to iFred you can plant a seed in honor of anyone who might be affected by depression in his or her life, and with a larger donation of $100 or $250 you can also receive trend setting gifts after the planting that are commemoratives of the actual Field of Hope. iFred is planting a Field for Hope with sunflowers in 2009 in Accra, Ghana, where people with mental disorders are often treated inhumanely and have their human rights grossly violated because society does not understand or know what to do with persons affected by brain diseases. Dan Taylor, a social worker in mental health in Ghana who is managing the Field of Hope this year, states “Many in Ghana and Africa in general, trace mental problems to superstition and other ingrained beliefs. Many are sent to ‘spiritual camps’, chained to trees and objects, and made to fast and pray for weeks in the hot sun, all meant to exorcise the supposed demonic spirits. We need to teach more in Africa about the true nature of depression and the positive effects of clinically proven treatments”. iFred intends to raise awareness in both Ghana and worldwide about the devastating effects depression has on families and the lives of others without recognition and treatment. Depression is the leading disability worldwide; at least 154 million people globally are struggling with it on any given day. The money raised from the Field planting will go towards bringing awareness, education, relief and online tools so that worldwide, people can start managing and supporting their depression symptoms to move towards a better quality of life – less than 25% of those with depression are receiving treatment, yet up to 80% of cases are generally treatable (World Health Organization, 2009). McCormick and Company, a global spice, seasoning and flavoring company, is the major sponsor of the Field of Hope and iFred is thrilled and thankful to have them on board. Pilloz, a company that makes custom made pillow cases with personalized photos, is creating a special commemorative throw pillow of the Field at the end of the season that people can have in their home to remember the inspirational field for a donation of $100. Clutch for Cures, a company that makes fashion conscious clutches with stylish magazine covers, is also making a clutch that will feature the Field, given at the end of the planting season with a $250 donation. Innovative Analysis and Compass Marketing are additional sponsors of the event. iFred also needs travel sponsors, people to distribute seed forms, field labor, refreshment donations, and other sponsors of the Field. There will be a blog of the Field, photos, and more updates on the website throughout the planting season. To find out more about this, visit www.fieldforhope.org. To visit our sponsors see www.mccormick.com, www.pilloz.com and www.clutchforcures.com. iFred is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to researching the causes of depression, supporting those dealing with depression, and improving the public’s perception and understanding of depression. iFred’s primary goal is to bring energy and information together from existing sources to educate, inform and change the way we look at depression today. For more information about iFred or to join us to help meet our goals, visit us on the web at www.ifred.org or www.depression.org. For all Press inquiries contact:
|