American designer brand Kate Spade New York has recently announced its plan to donate US$1 million in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness, in tribute to the brand’s founder and namesake, Kate Spade.
Spade, the fashion designer who created the iconic handbags brand, died in an apparent suicide on June 5. She had reportedly been suffering from depression and anxiety for years.
“Kate Spade was a true fashion icon who brought joy to the lives of women around the world and inspired women to live life to the fullest. We are dedicated to carrying on her legacy,” said Anna Bakst, brand president and chief executive of Kate Spade New York.
Kate Spade New York Foundation is donating US$1 million to suicide prevention and mental health awareness causes, starting with US$250,000 to the Crisis Text Line. In addition, the brand will match public donations made to the Crisis Text Line starting on June 20 to 29, up to the amount of US$100,000. Donations can be made through crisistextline.org/katespadeny.
In addition, Kate Spade New York will host a Global Mental Health Awareness Day for its employees in corporate and regional offices, as the first installment of a Wellness Program that the company is rolling out in the coming months. The brand’s objective is to generate greater awareness of mental health, call attention to common risks and warning signs, and encourage effective interventions and treatments for those in need.
“Mental illness does not discriminate; it is complicated and difficult to diagnose, and can often be life-threatening. We hope that our support will shed even more light on the disease and encourage those who suffer from mental health issues to seek help. Collectively, we must all do more,” said Bakst.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, in the United States, one in five adults experiences a mental illness, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the country. In addition, nearly 60 percent of adults with a mental health illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, there was an approximate 2,558 cases of suicide due to mental health recorded in 2012, according to a 2014 report of the World Health Organization.
On June 21, the country took a huge step in providing mental health care as President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 11036), which aims to provide better access to mental health services, integrate mental health programs in hospitals, improve mental health facilities, and promote mental health education in schools and workplaces.