atai Life Sciences ‘(NASDAQ: ATAI) atai Impact, a philanthropic initiative, has announced the award of $500,000 to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics (MAPS). The donation exemplifies the cooperation and partnership among the world’s premier nonprofit and corporate organizations to promote psychedelic medicine and address the world’s rising mental health epidemic, which affects more than a billion people.
atai Life Sciences and MAPS collaborating to in psychedelic research
CEO of atai Life Sciences Florian Brand stated, “We were already facing a global mental health crisis, but the pandemic has escalated this even further. To solve this crisis requires innovation, passion and collaboration. MAPS has been the driving force of the psychedelic renaissance over the last 35 years, promoting healing and well-being through education and research into psychedelics and their potential to revolutionize mental health for those in need. Their work has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation to all of us at atai, and we’re pleased to work alongside them.”
Rick Doblin, MAPS executive director, and founder, “Mental health is a fundamental human right – one that today’s healthcare systems are not equipped to provide for. The sheer scale of the global mental health crisis calls for a large-scale response from nonprofit, public benefit, and for-profit organizations working together to meet the collective need. With this gift, atai Impact is demonstrating their commitment to our shared values of healing and health equity.”
The grant to support MAPS’ projects
MAPS’ continuing initiatives, notably its Health Equity Program, will be supported with a multi-year grant of $500,000 from atai Impact. The initiative seeks to improve accessibility and rehabilitation by establishing a diversified network of treatment providers that reflect the different experiences of persons who have been affected by trauma and mental illness.
atai Impact VP Rae Richman commented, “We launched atai Impact, our philanthropic arm, because we know there must be a cross-sector approach to healing mental health conditions for everyone, everywhere. It’s an incredibly exciting and pivotal time for psychedelic medicine and atai Impact is committed to ensuring that, as the field grows, it promotes equitable, sustainable, and effective practices.”
