LIVEMS Thrive: Therapy for Empowered Lives
Our Therapy Fund will provide mental health services for Black women based in Los Angeles County who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system. There is not yet a cure for MS, a disease that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. By helping this demographic come to terms with their diagnosis, we are equipping these women with the life-saving tools to feel empowered along their wellness journey, enabling them to evolve from MS survivors to MS thrivers.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Health Care Access
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
County of Los Angeles
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
A major side effect of MS is depression. In fact, several studies have reported high rates of depression in MS with a lifetime prevalence of about 50% and an annual prevalence of 20%. In the Black community, mental health is not often discussed openly. We Are ILL strives to remove the stigma of mental health challenges and expose our community to the benefits of prioritizing mental health as we think holistically about wellness. This problem must be addressed because research shows that Black women have a 47% increased risk of being diagnosed with MS compared to our White counterparts and, therefore, an even more pressing demand to support this demographic in their mental health. If untreated, depression can result in increased risk for other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stroke, and more. Depression may impact everything from your heart, kidney, nervous system, and immune system health - which is already severely compromised in MS patients.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
A major side effect of MS is depression. In fact, several studies have reported high rates of depression in MS with a lifetime prevalence of about 50% and an annual prevalence of 20%. In the Black community, mental health is not often discussed openly. We Are ILL strives to remove the stigma of mental health challenges and expose our community to the benefits of prioritizing mental health as we think holistically about wellness. This problem must be addressed because research shows that Black women have a 47% increased risk of being diagnosed with MS compared to our White counterparts and, therefore, an even more pressing demand to support this demographic in their mental health. If untreated, depression can result in increased risk for other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stroke, and more. Depression may impact everything from your heart, kidney, nervous system, and immune system health - which is already severely compromised in MS patients.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
The impact of this program on the lives of Black women living with MS would be immeasurable. If our work providing access to dedicated mental health resources is successful, we would see these mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends experiencing a newfound sense of empowerment and support. Black women living with MS deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations. Imagine an LA County where these courageous women are equipped with the tools to manage the emotional roller coaster that MS can bring. They would finally have access to vital mental health resources, empowering them with support and understanding. Stigma surrounding mental health would diminish, sparking a wider conversation and encouraging seeking help. Collaborations with healthcare providers and research institutions throughout LA County would foster innovation. Lives would be uplifted, hope would radiate, and a compassionate, inclusive society would emerge. Incredible possibilities await!
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
For our proposed Therapy Fund, success means accessible and equitable financial resources for therapy, increased utilization of services, improved mental health outcomes, empowerment, self-advocacy, a supportive community, and long-term impact. It goes beyond financial support, creating transformative change and holistic well-being for the women we serve. We aim to see a positive change in their well-being, such as reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. We envision increased resilience, improved coping mechanisms, and enhanced emotional well-being among the women we support. We'll create a streamlined process that allows easy access to therapy services. This includes providing clear information, simplified application procedures, and efficient disbursement of funds. We strive to see a significant rise in the number of individuals benefiting from the program, indicating that our financial resources are effectively reaching and supporting the target demographic.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 100
Indirect Impact: 3,000