Strong Minds

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We carefully select charities which will have the most impact and benefit.

To find out more about how our members have helped to fund Strong Mind's activities, and the incredible work that they do, read on below.

CAUSES SUPPORTED: Health, Gender and Racial Equity

Mission

“To improve the mental health of women and adolescents in Africa.”

Where they work

Uganda, Zambia

Theory of change

“StrongMinds is the only organization working to rapidly scale a solution to the depression epidemic in Africa. By training lay community workers to deliver mental health services through group therapy sessions, we are able to provide depression treatment to the most underserved populations in sub-Saharan Africa.”

What they do

StrongMinds treats depression using group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G), delivered by lay counselors. This manualized, time-bound talk therapy model emphasizes relationships as the root of—and source of recovery for—depression.

Group therapy is available in person or by phone. Over 8-10 sessions, counselors guide structured discussions to help participants identify the underlying triggers of their depression and examine how their current relationships and their depression are linked. Together, they strategize solutions to their problems, learn coping mechanisms, practice interpersonal skills, and identify support structures that they can continue to lean on after therapy has ended.

Evidence

IPT-G is well-studied in low- and middle-income countries and is recommended by the WHO as a first-line depression intervention in resource-poor settings.

Reported results of therapy programs:

Founders Pledge estimates that StrongMinds prevents the equivalent of one year of severe major depressive disorder for a woman at a cost of $200–$299, with a best guess estimate of $248.

Currently a top charity for Founders Pledge and the Happier Lives Institute.

Outcomes/Impact

Since starting fieldwork in 2014, StrongMinds has provided group therapy to over 160,000 women and adolescents in Uganda and Zambia

Growth of services since inception:

80% of clients report being depression-free at the end of therapy, and results are sustained six-months later.

When women recover from depression, they become more economically productive, which leads to improved nutrition and education outcomes for the rest of the family.

Therapy recipients show a 16% increase in work attendance; their families receive a 13% increase in food security; and their children demonstrate a 30% increase in school attendance.

Find out more about Strong Minds: https://strongminds.org/

HELP US MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER DIFFERENCE

Make a Donation

If there was one thing in the world you could fix, what would it be? Your answer can help you choose the cause you care about most.

Plus, donors can get a charitable tax deduction for the full amount of their donation.

When you donate, you can choose a focus area, and our Physician Advisory Group will work to find, vet and evaluate organizations in each area to contribute to each year.

Choose your focus area

It's ok if you don't want to choose a specific focus area - we can direct funds to the areas of greatest need for you.

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The Physician Philanthropy Impact Fund is administered by SDG Impact Fund, (Tax ID# 46-2368538). SDG Impact Fund, Inc, headquartered at 475 E. Main Street #154 Cartersville, GA 30121 is a public charity as described in the Internal Revenue Code Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). All money and property transferred to SDG Impact Fund, Inc. shall be an irrevocable gift to the charity. Donor Advised Funds Are Not FDIC Insured – Are Not Bank Guaranteed – May Lose Value. Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, and investment manager for recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial, tax, or estate planning strategy.