Latest news with #AnnaSackettRountree
Associated Press
24-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
A Global Movement of Hope: Clubhouse International's Mental Health Advocacy Initiative 2025
04/23/2025, New York, New York // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Advocacy efforts have become more essential and urgent as mental health challenges sweep through continents. These issues are global concerns, as seen from the silent crises in underserved communities to the growing sense of disconnection in wealthier nations. Clubhouse International, a forward-thinking New York-based nonprofit organization, believes collaborative, sustained, and compassionate responses are needed. Hence, it creates platforms rooted in dignity, purpose, and above all, hope. Established in 1994 with roots in 1948, Clubhouse International has been known for empowering individuals living with mental illness to reclaim their lives through community and connection. Employing the Clubhouse Model, the organization provides safe, inclusive environments where members receive support to build meaningful relationships, pursue education, obtain employment, and access housing and healthcare. Clubhouse International recognizes how systemic issues affecting mental health care are becoming more severe amid growing uncertainty. Because of the complex landscape, its local Clubhouses are facing challenges that might leave vulnerable populations without access to essential services. This crisis mirrors the global truth that mental health support structures are usually low in priority, making it one of the first to face financial shortfalls despite being integral to societal well-being. The stigma surrounding mental illness also continues to hinder progress. Clubhouse International offers a vision that shifts away from an underfunded, misunderstood, and invisible landscape. It champions mutual respect and shared humanity. Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications for Clubhouse International, notes: 'Local leaders and global collaboration is needed to address these challenges. We can't afford to silo our solutions when the need is so universal.' This spirit of innovation and collaboration on a local and global scale comes alive in Clubhouse International's advocacy work, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This year, the organization is leading multiple initiatives aiming to raise awareness, inspire action, and systemic change. Its Clubhouse Giving Day, a global day of fundraising and solidarity, is one of these innovative initiatives. This annual campaign mobilizes the Clubhouse community globally to celebrate the impact of the Clubhouse Model. The individual donations, community fundraisers, and widespread social media engagement made possible during this day are essential in sustaining and extending the reach of Clubhouses worldwide. Every dollar raised contributes to expanding access, supporting new Clubhouse development, and changing lives by providing opportunities for employment, education, and friendship to those usually left behind. The Clubhouse International World Seminar complements these efforts. This five-day conference is a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and strategy-building. Here, 700 participants from different U.S. states and countries share best practices, new innovations, and success stories. Topics can be anything enlightening, from strengthening employment programs and community partnerships to exploring governance, inclusion, and wellness. For this year's World Seminar, guest speakers include Seth Kahan, founder and CEO of Visionary Leadership, and Andrej Vrsansky, President at Mental Health Europe and CEO at the League for Mental Health in Slovakia. They will offer insights that can help participants envision a future where mental health systems are holistic, person-centered, and built around recovery. In tandem with these global efforts, Clubhouse International also focuses on strategic, local engagement through the US Clubhouse Advocacy Week of Action. This initiative invites Clubhouses across the country to host open houses, welcome policymakers, and share stories that highlight the model's impact. 'Last year, 40 Clubhouses across 18 states and Washington, DC, participated,' shares Rountree. 'We showed lawmakers how impactful Clubhouses can be when it comes to mental health recovery and how adopting policies supporting psychosocial rehabilitation and sustained funding can make a sustainable difference for individuals and communities. The nonprofit is a founder and participant of Mental Health Action Day, powered by MTV, which encourages individuals and institutions to improve mental health awareness and access. It calls people to get involved, share their stories, and advocate for change in their communities. All these initiatives embody Clubhouse International's philosophy that solutions must be informed by real-world needs, the voice of lived experience, cultural context, and best practices. Moreover, they capture the organization's core belief that mental health is a universal human right and recovery must be available to everyone in all communities worldwide. Clubhouse International emphasizes that change is happening, but it can't continue in isolation. The future of mental health care depends on collective action and bold advocacy. For Clubhouse International, every Clubhouse is a lifeline. Every voice in support is part of the solution. Lastly, every contribution fuels a global movement that brings people in from the margins and places them at the center of community and care. Media Contact Name: Anna Sackett Rountree Email: [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> A Global Movement of Hope: Clubhouse International's Mental Health Advocacy Initiative 2025
Business Insider
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
A Global Movement of Hope: Clubhouse International's Mental Health Advocacy Initiative 2025
Clubhouse International champions global advocacy to transform mental health care through its 2025 advocacy initiatives. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 23, 2025) - Advocacy efforts have become more essential and urgent as mental health challenges sweep through continents. These issues are global concerns, as seen from the silent crises in underserved communities to the growing sense of disconnection in wealthier nations. Clubhouse International, a forward-thinking New York-based nonprofit organization, believes collaborative, sustained, and compassionate responses are needed. Hence, it creates platforms rooted in dignity, purpose, and above all, hope. Clubhouse International Established in 1994 with roots in 1948, Clubhouse International has been known for empowering individuals living with mental illness to reclaim their lives through community and connection. Employing the Clubhouse Model, the organization provides safe, inclusive environments where members receive support to build meaningful relationships, pursue education, obtain employment, and access housing and healthcare. Clubhouse International recognizes how systemic issues affecting mental health care are becoming more severe amid growing uncertainty. Because of the complex landscape, its local Clubhouses are facing challenges that might leave vulnerable populations without access to essential services. This crisis mirrors the global truth that mental health support structures are usually low in priority, making it one of the first to face financial shortfalls despite being integral to societal well-being. The stigma surrounding mental illness also continues to hinder progress. Clubhouse International offers a vision that shifts away from an underfunded, misunderstood, and invisible landscape. It champions mutual respect and shared humanity. Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications for Clubhouse International, notes: "Local leaders and global collaboration is needed to address these challenges. We can't afford to silo our solutions when the need is so universal." This spirit of innovation and collaboration on a local and global scale comes alive in Clubhouse International's advocacy work, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This year, the organization is leading multiple initiatives aiming to raise awareness, inspire action, and systemic change. Its Clubhouse Giving Day, a global day of fundraising and solidarity, is one of these innovative initiatives. This annual campaign mobilizes the Clubhouse community globally to celebrate the impact of the Clubhouse Model. The individual donations, community fundraisers, and widespread social media engagement made possible during this day are essential in sustaining and extending the reach of Clubhouses worldwide. Every dollar raised contributes to expanding access, supporting new Clubhouse development, and changing lives by providing opportunities for employment, education, and friendship to those usually left behind. The Clubhouse International World Seminar complements these efforts. This five-day conference is a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and strategy-building. Here, 700 participants from different U.S. states and countries share best practices, new innovations, and success stories. Topics can be anything enlightening, from strengthening employment programs and community partnerships to exploring governance, inclusion, and wellness. For this year's World Seminar, guest speakers include Seth Kahan, founder and CEO of Visionary Leadership, and Andrej Vrsansky, President at Mental Health Europe and CEO at the League for Mental Health in Slovakia. They will offer insights that can help participants envision a future where mental health systems are holistic, person-centered, and built around recovery. In tandem with these global efforts, Clubhouse International also focuses on strategic, local engagement through the US Clubhouse Advocacy Week of Action. This initiative invites Clubhouses across the country to host open houses, welcome policymakers, and share stories that highlight the model's impact. "Last year, 40 Clubhouses across 18 states and Washington, DC, participated," shares Rountree. "We showed lawmakers how impactful Clubhouses can be when it comes to mental health recovery and how adopting policies supporting psychosocial rehabilitation and sustained funding can make a sustainable difference for individuals and communities. The nonprofit is a founder and participant of Mental Health Action Day, powered by MTV, which encourages individuals and institutions to improve mental health awareness and access. It calls people to get involved, share their stories, and advocate for change in their communities. All these initiatives embody Clubhouse International's philosophy that solutions must be informed by real-world needs, the voice of lived experience, cultural context, and best practices. Moreover, they capture the organization's core belief that mental health is a universal human right and recovery must be available to everyone in all communities worldwide. Clubhouse International emphasizes that change is happening, but it can't continue in isolation. The future of mental health care depends on collective action and bold advocacy. For Clubhouse International, every Clubhouse is a lifeline. Every voice in support is part of the solution. Lastly, every contribution fuels a global movement that brings people in from the margins and places them at the center of community and care.
Business Upturn
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
A Global Movement of Hope: Clubhouse International's Mental Health Advocacy Initiative 2025
New York, New York, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clubhouse International Advocacy efforts have become more essential and urgent as mental health challenges sweep through continents. These issues are global concerns, as seen from the silent crises in underserved communities to the growing sense of disconnection in wealthier nations. Clubhouse International, a forward-thinking New York-based nonprofit organization, believes collaborative, sustained, and compassionate responses are needed. Hence, it creates platforms rooted in dignity, purpose, and above all, hope. Established in 1994 with roots in 1948, Clubhouse International has been known for empowering individuals living with mental illness to reclaim their lives through community and connection. Employing the Clubhouse Model, the organization provides safe, inclusive environments where members receive support to build meaningful relationships, pursue education, obtain employment, and access housing and healthcare. Clubhouse International recognizes how systemic issues affecting mental health care are becoming more severe amid growing uncertainty. Because of the complex landscape, its local Clubhouses are facing challenges that might leave vulnerable populations without access to essential services. This crisis mirrors the global truth that mental health support structures are usually low in priority, making it one of the first to face financial shortfalls despite being integral to societal well-being. The stigma surrounding mental illness also continues to hinder progress. Clubhouse International offers a vision that shifts away from an underfunded, misunderstood, and invisible landscape. It champions mutual respect and shared humanity. Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications for Clubhouse International, notes: 'Local leaders and global collaboration is needed to address these challenges. We can't afford to silo our solutions when the need is so universal.' This spirit of innovation and collaboration on a local and global scale comes alive in Clubhouse International's advocacy work, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This year, the organization is leading multiple initiatives aiming to raise awareness, inspire action, and systemic change. Its Clubhouse Giving Day, a global day of fundraising and solidarity, is one of these innovative initiatives. This annual campaign mobilizes the Clubhouse community globally to celebrate the impact of the Clubhouse Model. The individual donations, community fundraisers, and widespread social media engagement made possible during this day are essential in sustaining and extending the reach of Clubhouses worldwide. Every dollar raised contributes to expanding access, supporting new Clubhouse development, and changing lives by providing opportunities for employment, education, and friendship to those usually left behind. The Clubhouse International World Seminar complements these efforts. This five-day conference is a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and strategy-building. Here, 700 participants from different U.S. states and countries share best practices, new innovations, and success stories. Topics can be anything enlightening, from strengthening employment programs and community partnerships to exploring governance, inclusion, and wellness. For this year's World Seminar, guest speakers include Seth Kahan, founder and CEO of Visionary Leadership, and Andrej Vrsansky, President at Mental Health Europe and CEO at the League for Mental Health in Slovakia. They will offer insights that can help participants envision a future where mental health systems are holistic, person-centered, and built around recovery. In tandem with these global efforts, Clubhouse International also focuses on strategic, local engagement through the US Clubhouse Advocacy Week of Action. This initiative invites Clubhouses across the country to host open houses, welcome policymakers, and share stories that highlight the model's impact. 'Last year, 40 Clubhouses across 18 states and Washington, DC, participated,' shares Rountree. 'We showed lawmakers how impactful Clubhouses can be when it comes to mental health recovery and how adopting policies supporting psychosocial rehabilitation and sustained funding can make a sustainable difference for individuals and communities. The nonprofit is a founder and participant of Mental Health Action Day, powered by MTV, which encourages individuals and institutions to improve mental health awareness and access. It calls people to get involved, share their stories, and advocate for change in their communities. All these initiatives embody Clubhouse International's philosophy that solutions must be informed by real-world needs, the voice of lived experience, cultural context, and best practices. Moreover, they capture the organization's core belief that mental health is a universal human right and recovery must be available to everyone in all communities worldwide. Clubhouse International emphasizes that change is happening, but it can't continue in isolation. The future of mental health care depends on collective action and bold advocacy. For Clubhouse International, every Clubhouse is a lifeline. Every voice in support is part of the solution. Lastly, every contribution fuels a global movement that brings people in from the margins and places them at the center of community and care. Media Contact Name: Anna Sackett Rountree Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Associated Press
13-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Clubhouse International Calls for Support in Advancing Mental Health Initiatives
02/13/2025, New York, New York // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Clubhouse International, a New York-based global nonprofit organization, encourages individuals and entities to join its efforts in delivering improved comprehensive mental health support through funding, advocacy, and partnerships. It shares its strategic plan to increase the number of Clubhouses worldwide over the next decade in hopes of proving that no one has to face mental illness alone. Mental illness, despite being a leading cause of disability worldwide, lamentably receives an inadequate response to this day. Mental health awareness has grown, but creating sustainable solutions remains a challenge. Clubhouses emerge as an appealing option in helping individuals with mental illness regain control of their lives, serving as supportive spaces where they can find belonging, purpose, and opportunity. Clubhouse International has spent over 30 years building and strengthening a global network of Clubhouses that serve as lifelines for people with mental illness. It employs the Clubhouse Model, which integrates opportunities for employment, education, housing, and wellness within a single supportive environment. The Clubhouse Model is an evidence-based approach that has demonstrated success in improving outcomes for those with mental illness. Members of accredited Clubhouses experience higher employment rates, fewer hospitalizations, and better overall health compared to those receiving traditional mental health services. Mental health advocates and policymakers have acknowledged the model's effectiveness, urging Clubhouse International to fight for more comprehensive, community-based mental health care. The nonprofit's efforts are recognized by acclaimed institutions. In 2021, it was honored with the Special Presidential Commendation Award by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), acknowledging the Clubhouse Model as a cost-effective, rights-based approach to recovery. The organization was also awarded the 2022 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health by The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, solidifying its vital role in mental health rehabilitation. Aware of its massive impact in the space, Clubhouse International's vision is to make Clubhouses as widespread and accessible as local YMCAs. It's investing in infrastructure, partnerships, personnel, and advocacy efforts to turn its dream of ensuring that every community has a safe, supportive space for people with mental illness into reality. However, this ambitious expansion requires substantial funding and collaboration from various sectors. 'We need partners who share our vision and are willing to invest in the future of mental health care,' says Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications. Clubhouse International has launched the Campaign for Growth to accelerate its expansion. With proper investment, it aims to establish new Clubhouses in underserved regions to ensure greater accessibility and improve training, accreditation, and operational support to maintain high-quality services. Advancing research and data collection and growing advocacy efforts are also included in the roadmap. The organization prioritizes partnerships across the education, corporate, and healthcare sectors to achieve its goals. One of its most promising initiatives is its collaboration with academic institutions to integrate mental health awareness and support into educational settings. Clubhouse International has partnered with the University of Notre Dame through Active Minds, a student-led advocacy group focused on mental health. This partnership has already built a strong connection between students and local Clubhouses, providing opportunities to young people so they can engage in mental health advocacy. Several Clubhouses partner with local universities to introduce students to the realities of living with mental illness. For example, one course, 'Recovering from Mental Illness through Work and Community,' immerses students in the Clubhouse Model and encourages them to explore solutions for mental health challenges. 'Programs like these open doors. Some of the students have become psychiatrists, have served on Clubhouse boards, or have contributed to mental health literature,' Anna proudly shares. 'They're now making a real difference in people's lives.' With adequate funding, Clubhouse International would like to formalize the Clubhouse University Connection initiative. Clubhouse International also engages with corporate partners to expand the Clubhouse Model. Through its Corporate Partners Program, companies can participate in mental health advocacy initiatives, employee education programs, and workplace inclusion efforts. Companies sharing the same vision have already joined, highlighting the initiative's effectiveness. The nonprofit's efforts in integrating the Clubhouse Model into broader mental health systems are also underway. It's expanding its psychosocial rehabilitation services in South Carolina, demonstrating how Clubhouses can complement traditional medical care. Ultimately, all of Clubhouse International's efforts are for the people—individuals who deserve dignity, inclusion, and opportunity. Mental illness is still stigmatized, making many people feel unseen or unheard. The organization changes lives by proving that recovery is possible and achievable for everyone. 'We do this work because we believe in the power of community. Mental health is about connection, purpose, and hope, and everyone deserves that,' Anna stresses. Clubhouse International's Campaign for Growth represents one step forward in the fight for better mental health support. It welcomes funding, investments, and partnerships from individuals, corporations, and institutions that believe in its vision of making mental health recovery accessible to all. Media Contact
