Harvard Medical School’s Global Mental Health Initiative
Preventive healthcare goes beyond the physical. It begins with the mind.
Since 2019, The Friends of Mewar Fund in Global Mental Health has been the primary philanthropic support for Harvard Medical School’s Global Mental Health initiative, a cross-disciplinary effort uniting scholars, clinicians, and advocates to make mental well-being a universal right.
Through the fund, Harvard is able to develop, deliver, and expand access to high-quality mental healthcare globally, ensuring that innovation and compassion reach those who need it most. The fund has helped the initative weather the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger, launching pioneering programs that continue to shape the future of mental health worldwide.
Programs Supported
EMPOWER
A digital platform training frontline health workers to deliver evidence-based psychological care across all stages of life, from childhood to old age. EMPOWER has conducted pilot programs, trained school counselors in adolescent mental health interventions, and supported families of children with autism through early detection and intervention.
The MIND Project
A groundbreaking collaboration dedicated to understanding neurodiversity and building inclusive environments at Harvard and beyond. The project connects researchers across disciplines to advance knowledge, raise awareness, and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
Student Research Assistance Programs
Each year, Harvard students engage in 14-week research experiences working directly with world-renowned faculty on topics like depression treatment, youth mental health, and scalable digital interventions for global care delivery. These students represent the next generation of mental health leaders.
Global Events and Community Engagement
The fund supports interdisciplinary workshops, international seminars, and global observances such as World Mental Health Day, where experts, artists, and advocates come together to spark meaningful dialogue. From research collaboration to creative expressions, these events amplify the message that mental health is a shared human responsibility.
Impact and Vision
Under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Patel, the Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and with the guidance of the initiative’s steering committee, this collaboration continues to catalyze research, inspire new talent, and innovate pathways for mental health equity.
Harvard’s Global Mental Health initiative has become a global hub of progress, proving that sustainable mental wellness requires not just science, but shared purpose.
Thanks to your support, the fund will sustain and expand these transformative programs for years to come by empowering communities, nurturing future leaders, and reaffirming that mental health is preventive healthcare.