Prince Harry of Wales and Richard Gere Support Campaign to Change Direction

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2016 -- The Campaign to Change Direction is proud to announce that Prince Harry of Wales and acclaimed actor Richard Gere will be featured in a public service announcement (PSA) running on a Times Square (New York) jumbotron for three months, beginning today, May 6, 2016.

Prince Harry has been a steadfast supporter of members of the military, both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and an advocate for the physical and mental well-being of those who serve and their families. The campaign applauds his efforts and is pleased to have his help in encouraging everyone to recognize the Five Signs of emotional suffering and the importance of caring for one's emotional well-being.

Richard Gere has been an active spokesperson for combating the problem of homelessness in the United States and abroad. The campaign welcomes Mr. Gere's contribution and the engagement of organizations working to prevent and ultimately end homelessness, which is in many cases related to emotional suffering and mental health.

Prince Harry and Mr. Gere join First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden in the campaign's new video PSA. The First Lady and Dr. Biden have been longstanding supporters of our nation's military families, through their Joining Forces initiative, as well as of the Campaign to Change Direction.

Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour, the backbone organization behind the Campaign to Change Direction, said, "Changing the culture is difficult and requires many voices. We are proud and honored that so many impressive leaders are standing with us to meet this challenge, and we are pleased to welcome two new supporters to this vital cause."

The Campaign to Change Direction warmly thanks United Health Foundation for its ongoing support of our critical work and for helping to make this new PSA possible. The campaign also thanks Edelman, our communications partner, for creating this wonderful new video.

About Change Direction
The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 180 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.

About Give an Hour
Give an Hour, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families, was founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. Give an Hour has been instrumental in the development of the community-based approach to addressing the challenges that face our nation's military community, having created a successful model for harnessing skill-based volunteers eager to offer their services. Thus far, the network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 184,000 hours of care and support to those in need. To learn more, visit www.giveanhour.org or https://connected.giveanhour.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sally Charney, Give an Hour
[email protected]
703-582-6672