Overview: United for Muslim Mental Advocacy & Health (UMMAH) is a newly-formed, grassroots initiative that aims to de-stigmatize mental illness and address the mental health needs of Maryland's diverse Muslim communities through advocacy, education, and empowerment. It's core steering committee is made up of mental health professionals and activists in the area who possess a unique combination of expertise, training, and skillsets.
We are raising funds to host our inaugural MD Summit on Muslim Mental Health, to be tentatively held in Summer 2018. The target audience for this statewide event includes youth, parents/primary caregivers, educators, mosque leaders, and activists. 

Donations to this campaign are zakat-eligible. All efforts will be made to prevent cost from being an obstacle to participation. 

Meet the UMMAH Steering Committee:
Dr. Madiha Tahseen, Ph.D.

Sr. Najwa Awad, LCSW-C

Dr. Zainab Chaudry, Pharm.D.

Sr. Zainab Jackson, NCC, LGPC

Dr. Rasha Dughly, M.D.

Contact Email: UMMAH.maryland@gmail.com

Summit Primary Objectives:
> Define and de-stigmatize mental illness 
> Discuss barriers and address myths about getting treatment 
> Provide training on identifying suicidal risk, ideation, intervention and prevention
> Connect participants with vetted information and resources

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,300 children ages 5 to 12 took their own lives in the United States between 1999 - 2015. That number is rising. One study published in the February 2017 issue of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology revealed that nearly 90 percent of people experience at least one episode of mental illness in their lifetimes. It's more common than we think. 

At UMMAH, we believe its time to take steps to de-stigmatize mental illness once and for all. Over the past year, Muslim communities in Maryland have experienced the painful, seemingly unprecedented trauma of losing - or nearly losing - several of our youth to suicide or attempted suicide. While the evidence is anecdotal at this stage, educators, community leaders, and mental health professionals report a significant uptick in the number of Muslim youth grappling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and other related issues. 

At one event in Howard County, a speaker asked Muslim youth who knew someone struggling with symptoms of mental illness to stand. Nearly every student in the room stood.  Numerous community leaders have emphasized the need to (1) de-stigmatize mental health, (2) prioritize mental health education and (3) increase the accessibility of vetted, reliable information and resources.

Together, we can help make that happen.

Join UMMAH in taking the first steps towards building healthier, more resilient Muslim communities. Consider making a contribution today. Your donation to this campaign is zakat-eligible. Multiply your rewards in this blessed month of Ramadan. 

Jazakumallahu Khairun for your support. 
Madiha, Najwa, Zainab, Zainab, & Rasha​