Give an Hour Announces Expansion into California Communities

Washington, D.C., Aug. 22, 2017 -- Give an Hour™ is excited to announce our first regional initiative designed to expand and deepen our mental health services in California.  The Engaged Community Project, led by Jack Edelstein and Kirsti Thompson, is now “Give an Hour California".

Give an Hour, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) providing free mental health services to military members, veterans and their families was founded in 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, DC 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, Give an Hour’s national network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 224,000 hours of care and support to those in need valued at nearly $23M.

“Give an Hour is thrilled to launch 'GAH California' as we continue to provide needed mental health services to our veterans and military families – as well as to other populations in need including at risk teens, victims of gun violence and victims of human trafficking” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, President and Founder of Give an Hour.  “We are so proud, excited – and appreciative – that Jack and Kirsti are bringing their expertise and compassion to join us in our critical efforts to provide mental health education and care to those in need in California”.

In 2015, Give an Hour™ launched the Campaign to Change Direction® a broad public health initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health so that all in need receive the care and support they deserve.  The Campaign to Change Direction encourages everyone to know the Five Signs of emotional suffering and to pay attention to our emotional well-being just as we do our physical well-being. The launch of GAH California will allow GAH to work with partners across the state to expand this powerful public health effort to reach those in need.   

Give an Hour California encourages all mental health professionals to join the Give an Hour network www.giveanhour.org to donate hours of direct service and to assist with our public health effort through the Campaign to Change Direction www.changedirection.org   

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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 400 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/47166caf-6bf2-49b0-848b-b42e8c3befc0

Sally Charney
Give an Hour
703-582-6672
[email protected]

Jack Edelstein
Give an Hour
[email protected]

Kirsti Thompson
Give an Hour
[email protected]