Information about Heads Up!, Inc. - A On The Move e.V. Partner in the US
Why does Heads Up!, Inc. exist?
Mental illness is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. The burden of disease from mental illness is among the highest compared to all other illnesses. In any given year, 1 in 5 adults in the US suffer from a mental illness. Looking at data amongst adults, young adults are particularly at risk. 75 % of mental illness manifests by age 24, and 25% of college students suffer from a mental illness. Unfortunately, those suffering from mental illness are not seeking care. Reportedly, only 41% of adults suffering from mental illness sought mental health services in the past year.
With a prevalence rate of about 10%, according to WHO, mental disorders are also one of the leading morbidity and mortality causes in Sub-Saharan countries. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) now reflect this trend and include concrete goals in terms of mental health for the first time. Though exemplary, it may take more years to implement appropriate policies and allocate funding to the mental health sector for its improvement. Meanwhile, patients (the greatest victims) in Sub-Saharan countries are stigmatized and their human rights violated as they are locked away, chained, and tortured to death.
To begin to reduce the burden mental illness on individuals and the overall public, initiatives that support and maintain mental health are necessary. Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping people's choices and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
What do we do?
Heads Up, Inc. is a charitable, educational, and scientific organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time (the “Internal Revenue Code”), that will positively promote the perception of mental health domestically and internationally by:
(a) raising awareness about the brain, neuroscience, and mental health/psychiatric disorders
(b) increasing mental health resilience, while decreasing mental health vulnerability
(c) decreasing stigma associated with mental disorders
(d) building mental health infrastructure with local partners in developing countries
(e) conducting basic or fundamental research and surveys that are related to mental health and mental illnesses
(f) carrying on any other charitable, educational or scientific activity (within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) that is consistent with other provisions of these Articles and that may be lawfully carried on by a corporation organized under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
What is our intended service area?
Primarily our services will be used in Massachusetts despite our intention to partner with cross national organizations. Our second intended service areas include developing countries such as Ghana or Kenya (list will be extended in the future as the organization starts more partnership within other countries and continents). However, this may be and is subject to change based upon subsequent need assessments and continual engagement with local partners.
Rick Wolthusen, MD
Board of Directors and President
Connor Burke
Board of Directors and Secretary
Articles of Organization - Corporation Massachusetts
Version from June 13th, 2019