Washington, D.C., Aug. 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Give an Hour™ is a national nonprofit 501 (c)(3), founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dalen, a licensed clinical psychologist. Give an Hour’s mission is to develop national networks of volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society.
Since 2005, Give an Hour has focused on providing free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families – providing over 224,000 hours of free care valued at nearly $23M. Give an Hour has since expanded our efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve.
In addition, Give an Hour has historically opened its network to assist those affected by national tragedies and traumas such as the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary school, Hurricane Sandy and the Boston Marathon bombings. By harnessing the skill and compassion of mental health providers across the country, Give an Hour is able to provide critical mental health assistance to those who are suffering.
“We are so grateful to our network of 7000 generous mental health professionals who provide much needed mental health services to our veterans and military families – as well as to other populations in need”, said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “In response to the horrific attack on innocent people in Charlottesville on August 12th, our organization and our providers are offering care and support to those affected by this trauma.”
Give an Hour encourages all mental health professionals interested in joining our network of providers to visit www.giveanhour.org to give your gift of care and support to those in need.
Those affected by the attack in Charlottesville can visit Give an Hour at www.giveanhour.org to locate a provider near you.
By harnessing the skills and generosity of citizens across our nation and around the world, Give an Hour provides those in need with help and hope. We offer those who care the opportunity to give – and we offer expertise as well as care and support when tragedy strikes in our communities.
##
About Give an Hour™
Give an Hour, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families, was founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. Give an Hour has been instrumental in the development of the community-based approach to addressing the challenges that face our nation's military community, having created a successful model for harnessing skill-based volunteers eager to offer their services. Thus far, the network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 224,000 hours of care and support to those in need. To learn more, visit www.giveanhour.org.
About the Campaign to Change Direction®
The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 500 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/561609ef-a205-4506-b61c-2040f5b3af4a