Christmas donation of NOK 1 million to mental health research
This year's Christmas gift from the Omega 365 team goes to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF). Omega 365 contributed NOK 1 million over two years to the organization last year, and this year's Christmas gift represents the second part of the donation.
“It is our greatest hope that our Christmas donations make a real difference," says Lauren McPherson Simonsen, Corporate Communications Manager in Omega 365.
Since 1987, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has been at the forefront of mental health research. The organization is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants to researchers worldwide to promote advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. BBRF is currently the world’s largest private funder of mental health research grants and 100% of the donations the organization receives go directly to their research.
Jeffrey Borenstein, President and CEO, states that research being conducted by recipients of BBRF grants, has led to many advancements over the past year, including:
- studying how the COVID-19 virus enters and affects the brain
- continuing development of rapid-acting treatments for depression
- major refinements in the protocol for administering non-invasive brain stimulation
- adaptation of non-invasive brain stimulation for treating other disorders including anxiety, OCD, and PTSD
- development and testing of a computer-guided method of targeted cognitive training to help individuals with schizophrenia
By supporting BBRF, the Omega 365 team contributes to the funding of research to understand, prevent, and alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness on a worldwide basis.
“It is our greatest hope that our Christmas donations make a real difference. On behalf of our team, we therefore support established organizations with clear visions that mirror our values and address some of the most pressing needs we see around us,” explains Lauren McPherson Simonsen, Corporate Communications Manager in Omega 365.
“The importance of mental health, especially in the trying times we have experienced over the last two years, is clear. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation already has access to the experts we need to better address and understand mental health challenges; their mission is one we were compelled to support, for the good of all.”
Omega 365 is committed to being “Big enough to deliver - small enough to care”, also when it comes to social responsibility. On behalf of our employees, we support and donate to causes aligned with our core values, especially at Christmas time. In previous years, Omega 365’s Christmas gift has been donated to CARE’s savings and loan groups in Congo, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children in Murmansk.
Visit bbrfoundation.org to learn more about BBRF’s important work.