CRS Briefing ... "Something important is missing from foreign aid! "

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.The CRS Briefing is a monthly service to our supporters. We aspire to keep you informed of our progress and up-to-date on issues that affect the people we serve in more than 100 countries around the world.

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Photo courtesy of Marijn Fidder/Caritas International

Advocate the MINDS Act

Around the globe, hundreds of millions of people struggle with anxiety, depression and other stress related problems. In emergencies, a lack of food, shelter and other basic necessities often lead to psychological distress. And for people fleeing violent conflict—like the millions who have fled Ukraine in the recent months—stress is magnified.>

More than 1 in 5 people in conflict-affected areas are living with a mental health disorder. Around the world, for those in crisis situations—poverty, hunger, violent conflict—emotional support is a fundamental human need that is too often overlooked.

Amid conflict, hunger and other crises, what does it take for a person to thrive?

• Food and water.
• Shelter and safety.
• Mental health care.

Psychosocial support is critical for people with trauma. But mental health services are not consistently integrated into international programs that help our sisters and brothers experiencing violence, forced displacement, food shortages and poverty. The MINDS Act will change this!

Please urge Congress to support HR3988, the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings Act—the MINDS Act. This is the first-ever U.S. legislation to include mental health services in foreign assistance programming. It reaffirms best practices, lays the groundwork for a global mental health strategy and emphasizes the needs of vulnerable populations.

Lift your voice today so our sisters and brothers in need may have the psychological support systems necessary to uphold their dignity, build resilience and thrive. You can make a difference!

Email your legislators to ask them to Support people experiencing emotional distress due to conflict, hunger and other adversities.

• CLICK HERE to email your legislators

Addressing mental health needs helps communities become more resilient and builds a brighter future for our world.
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Thank you to so many of you who raise your voice to support the MINDS Act and for advocating now on this important legislation!

Prayerfully,

Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops