Global Genes to Partner with Give an Hour to Expand Mental Health Services for Caregivers in Rare Disease Space

ALISO VIEJO, CALIF. – JUNE 6, 2023

Today, Global Genes is thrilled to announce a partnership with Give an Hour, a national nonprofit that provides innovative multimodal solutions to accessing equitable mental health services for individuals and communities. The partnership was established with the goals of:

1. Increasing access to mental health and emotional well-being services for rare disease caregivers;
2. Increasing knowledge of professional peer support techniques for those supporting rare disease caregivers;
3. Increasing each organization’s mutual understanding of appropriate and useful peer support models that positively impact rare disease caregivers; and
4. Exploring additional opportunities to build awareness of Give an Hour (GAH) and Global Genes (GG) services with mental health care professionals and rare disease caregivers. 

The partnership will run through December 31, 2023. 

Together, the organizations will seek to create resilient communities of support for rare disease caregivers and families. Through this partnership Global Genes and Give an Hour will work together to increase attendance at Give an Hour’s rare caregiver peer support groups, provide professional peer support training to Global Genes staff, and uncover which models of peer-led support groups and peer support training empower and encourage rare disease caregivers. 

Anyone seeking mental health assistance can reach out to RARE Concierge, the Global Genes patient services team, who can provide the tools and resources needed, including those offered by Give an Hour. The RARE Concierge team may be contacted through the website, or by calling 949-248-RARE (7273)

About Global Genes
Global Genes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. In pursuit of that mission, Global Genes connects, empowers, and inspires the rare disease community to stand up, stand out, and become more effective on their own behalf⁠—helping to spur innovation, meet essential needs, build capacity and knowledge, and drive progress within and across rare diseases. Global Genes serves more than 400 million people around the globe, and nearly one in 10 Americans affected by rare diseases. If you or someone you love has a rare disease or are searching for a diagnosis, contact Global Genes at 949-248-RARE or through the website.

About Give An Hour
Give an Hour creates resilient communities of support for rare disease caregivers and families. Through one-on-one peer support, group support, professional training and research, GAH builds a sustainable support system. Opportunities include participation in mental health groups, peer support training, focus groups, and connection to one on one counseling for those in need. Programming is at no cost to the rare caregiver or loved one. In addition, Give an Hour offers a wealth of customized resources that are quick to read and easy to implement into daily life – all about maintaining mental health and emotional wellness through your journey. Their website has a quick sign up form to connect to all the services: www.giveanhour.org/rarecaregivers