Funds for Mental Health Programs: Where and How

Abstract

Mental health workers, professionals and volunteers alike are acutely aware of the need for more funds to be channelled into their various fields. Yet, few among them seem to be able to generate these funds directly or indirectly. A major failure is that attention and effort are not directed to the particular task. This failure is the result of several factors, including the assumption of value systems which appear at variance with those necessary for the mobilization of money; a neglect of the dynamics of the funding sources; a tendency to take for granted that virtue alone would triumph (in spite of countless experiences to the contrary); and an inability to find a common language with those whom one wished to influence. Yet, the challenge is real and must be addressed. Furthermore, there are good reasons why mental health workers should be adept at influencing behaviour; this ability, after all, would figure highly in their “raison d’etre”.