Future Now
The IFTF Blog
Innovation and mental health
The folks at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and Changemakers.net are at it again. They are holding another open innovation competition aimed at improving health around the world (see this post about their "Designing for Better Health" initiative). This time, they asking people to share their ideas for "improving mental health and community wellbeing."
Many of us know, but perhaps don't like to think about, why RWJH thought the "Rethinking Mental Health: Improving Community Wellbeing" competition was a worthwhile endeavor:
Mental health is critical to overall health and wellbeing. Serious mental illness, such as major depression and schizophrenia, is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet only a small fraction of people in need of treatment have access to care in their communities. Many more are subject to neglect and abuse of their human and civil rights whether living on the streets or locked in an institution. One of the first steps to improving individual and community wellbeing is to break down the stigmas that have plagued the field for far too long. Success in mental health depends upon the contributions and commitment of the entire community and a willingness to break the mold.
You have until October 14, 2009, to submit your entry, which must "demonstrate system-changing solutions that boldly move
past narrow perceptions of mental health to expand our understanding and our collective involvement." Entries should be beyond the conceptual stage and be able to demonstrate a proof of impact, even at small scale.
The entry guidelines emphasize the critical importance of innovation in this challenge:
This is the knock-out test. The entrant must describe a systematic and/or disruptive innovation in the field of mental health. The innovation should be a unique model of change, demonstrating a substantial difference from other initiatives in the field and ready for large-scale expansion.
Even if you don't have an idea to submit, you can still participate (until November 22) in the process of changing how we think about and deal with mental health in our communities by reviewing and commenting on the entries. I encourage you to do so.