Everyminute.org

Close your eyes. Imagine a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured. Where everyone with a mental illness recovers. A world where mental illnesses are detected early, and a world where everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and supports. Now open your eyes. (How did you read that with your eyes closed?) Scientists believe that this world could one day be a reality. And you have the power to help accelerate its arrival.

The best way for the average American citizen to help is to encourage federal investments into biomedical research. These investments will increase the budget of a federal agency called the National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH is the largest research organization in the world specializing in mental illness.

Formally established in 1949, the NIMH has been a scientific leader in the fight against mental illness for seven decades. They have helped fund the work of people like Nancy Andreasen, M.D., Ph.D. who has conducted groundbreaking work in schizophrenia.

The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery and cure. Headed up by Dr. Thomas Insel, the organization is optimistic about the reality of seeing breakthroughs in the treatment of mental illness, "We now have the research tools necessary. Now is the time for research to set an ambitious goal of finding cures and preventive interventions for these disabling illnesses."

New neuroimaging tools, national networks for clinical trials and other advances are helping scientists to apply the “4 P’s” of research: increasing the capacity to Predict who is at risk for developing disease; developing interventions that Preempt (or interrupt) the disease process; using knowledge about individual biological, environmental, and social factors for Personalized interventions; and ensuring that clinical research involves Participation from the diversity of people and settings involved in health care.

However, Insel states that, "For many scientists seeking funding from NIH, this seems like the best of times and the worst of times. The opportunities to make scientific discoveries have never been better... But in this time of unprecedented opportunities, we are also keenly aware of the anxiety in our fields. From young investigators who are wondering if there is a future for a scientific career to seasoned scientists who are concerned about paylines, we are hearing that these are the worst of times."

For the last couple of years, the funding for the NIMH has been flat, failing to even cover inflation. Dr. Insel states that, "With each additional year that the nation’s support of science falls behind inflation, we are losing ground in our support of discoveries that will reduce the burden of mental illness, addiction, and alcohol dependence."

Our current nation's current investment for NIMH to prevent and ultimately cure mental illness is $1.4 billion. The cost of treating the devastating symptoms and effects as this illness rages on exceeding $310 billion a year. If scientific discoveries continue federal investments in biomedical research will pay dividends both economically and in the quality of life experienced by 57 million Americans.

everyminute.org envisions a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured. Dr. Insel and the NIMH think that we now have the tools available to realize such a world. Its about time that the American public supports him and his researchers. By signing your name and spreading the word about everyminute.org, you can help direct your tax dollars to increase mental health research. You can help create a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured.