Communities in Iraq are putting their lives back together after years of conflict. Amid efforts to physically rebuild Iraqi cities and towns that witnessed heavy fighting, Iraqi mental health professionals are beginning to address the less visible fallouts of the war – the trauma children and families continue to experience even as threats to their safety recede.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we ask you to contribute to the efforts of the selfless Iraqis working to help communities overcome the horrors they have endured.

We have launched a CrowdRise campaign aiming to raise $15,000 by the end of October to begin providing mental health care services to communities in areas most affected by ISIS and the war. Many of you have already generously contributed and we and our partners in Iraq are deeply grateful for your generosity.

Please support and share our CrowdRise campaign.

On this occasion, we would also like to congratulate Nadia Murad and Dr. Denis Mukwege who were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this week for their work to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. Nadia Murad, a phenomenal Iraqi Yazidi woman and a survivor of ISIS captivity and sexual enslavement, has traveled the world to raise awareness of the plight of her community and the devastating effects of rape. For survivors of ISIS’ atrocities, suffering often does not end with liberation. This is why providing mental health services to these communities is crucial.

Here is something you can do right now: donate to our CrowdRise campaign to provide mental health services to Iraqi children and families traumatized by war.

Current and retired federal employees who are participating in the CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) program can now contribute to EPIC! Our CFC code is 49445.