Mood-factory, Mental Health America Team Up To Raise Awareness For Mental Health with Mood-lites

Mood-Lites Now Available For Upcoming Global Night Of Hope On October 10 To Celebrate And Support Mental Health America's 100th Anniversary Year

Contact: Candice Smolek, (866) 353-6663 or press@brightenourworld.com

Ann Arbor, MI (August 20, 2009)-Mood-factory and Mental Health America are thrilled to announce a new partnership to raise the awareness of mental health care and prevention through the sale of Mood-lites.  Mood-lites are available at select WalMarts, spas, retailers, hospitals, Jammin' Away the Blues Festivals and at depression screening centers on October 8^th.  Visit http://www.brightenourworld.com/ for or call 1-866-353-MOOD (6663) for more information or updates on specific locations.

With the nation in an economic downturn and with so many Americans struggling in their daily lives to make ends meet, the Mood-lite is a symbol of resilience and perseverance and a reminder to support one another through hardships, especially those individuals who have a mental health condition.   The Mood-lite is a yellow "happiness" light bulb that, when lit up in windows and on light posts, emits a yellow sunshine aura that is sure to brighten a room or sidewalk.  The "happiness" mood-lite is a way for organizations, government agencies, businesses and retailers to convey their support of their community and remind all to be mindful of others. 

These bulbs are not medical light bulbs and do not treat illnesses. 

Mental Health America, the nation's preeminent mental health organization and founder of the mental health movement in the United States, is celebrating its 100-year Anniversary in 2009.  Mental Health America will make the mood-lites available on its Web site, http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/.  Through this agreement, the Mood-factory is donating a percentage of their overall yellow "happiness" sales to Mental Health America and is also offering an innovative and unique way for Mental Health America's 300-plus affiliates to raise needed funds and bring communities together.

"It is crucial to bring greater awareness and understanding of mental health conditions and the steps that can be taken to promote prevention and recovery," said Dr. David Shern, president and CEO of Mental Health America.  "Especially at this time, it is important that we come together as a nation and support our family members, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.  It is time for mental health." 

One of the first promotional initiatives is "Brighten Our World Yellow" on October 10^th in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) advocacy program that is celebrated globally. Information on the program is being distributed in over 120 countries, in 8 languages.  L. Patt Franciosi, Ph.D., WFMH Chair of World Mental Health Day, states "WFMH is thrilled that Mental Health America and Mood-lites have chosen October 10th, the global day of commemoration, to celebrate their Global Night of Hope by brightening our world yellow for depression.  Only through innovative efforts like this can we hope to increase awareness and funds of this global disease that is a leading cause of disability worldwide. May the new efforts in the US be a beacon light for all who suffer in silence."

Kathryn Goetzke, Mood-factory President, is thrilled about the relationship with Mental Health America.  "Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet so often forgotten when it comes to major corporations supporting efforts for the disease state. It is a disease that can be treated, yet less than 25% are actually getting that treatment they need.  Hopefully, October 10^th, in conjunction with efforts throughout the world on the Global Night of Hope, will start bringing some positive energy and optimism to a disease that in the past has been seen as so hopeless'.

This year the Mood-factory is donating $0.50 for each Happiness Mood-lite sold in their online shop and $0.20 per Mood-lite for all other sales to Mental Health America.  Mental Health America is the country's oldest nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives.  With more than 300 affiliates nationwide, it represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - every day and in times of crisis.

Mood-lites are available at select WalMarts, retailers, hospitals, MHA's Jammin' Away the Blues Festivals and at select depression screening centers.  In order to participate, organizations are encouraged to order now to ensure quantities are available by e-mailing mailto:info@pinkporches.com or calling 1.866.353.MOOD (6663). Individuals can order online at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/farcry/www.brightenourworld.com. Mood-lites are manufactured by Innovative Analysis, Inc. (dba Mood-factory), headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  For more information about World Mental Health Day, see http://www.wfmh.org/.