At Walt’s Waltz, we strive to advance our vision of reducing suffering and preventing suicides by educating the public on the vital roles that genetics and epigenetics play in mental health. Today’s research disproportionately emphasizes behavioral sciences and mental health services, often overlooking the foundational importance of genetic and epigenetic research—fields that are integral in understanding conditions like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The CHCF Brain Foundation, founded by Dr. Mo Heidaran, is leading the way in advocacy and education to address inequities in mental health research, particularly in the areas of genetics, epigenetics, and neuroscience. Dr. Heidaran's pioneering work has brought to light the gaps in mental health research that often leave genetic and epigenetic factors underfunded and underexplored compared to critical health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the CHCF’s mission to bridge these disparities and emphasize the importance of studying the biological roots of mental health conditions.
In partnership with the CHCF Brain Foundation, Walt’s Waltz has launched the Mental Health Moonshot initiative, which includes a documentary featuring in-depth interviews with experts in the field. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the biological factors influencing mental health. pioneer in genetic mental health research, we work to bridge this gap and bring greater awareness to these often-misunderstood aspects of mental health.
Dr. Heidaran’s groundbreaking work and invaluable guidance, along with his connections to leading scientists, have enabled us to conduct insightful interviews and co-create a documentary that translates complex scientific information into a form accessible to the general public and the broader community. Our goal is to continually learn, share, and deepen our understanding to fuel empathy, reduce stigma, and drive systemic change in mental health care.
Moreover, we are committed to uniting diverse disciplines that historically have not always collaborated effectively, fostering a combined approach that addresses the root causes of mental health disorders. As the understanding of genetic and epigenetic factors grows, mental health will increasingly be recognized as a medical condition with specific causes, much like other chronic diseases. This shift will pave the way for objective diagnoses and earlier interventions, breaking down stigma and empowering individuals to seek support with the same urgency and openness given to other health conditions.
For us, this work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal, as we both lost our beloved sons to suicide. We believe that with continued research, education, and advocacy, we can bring about a world where mental health is viewed with empathy and treated with precision, understanding, and care.
An Overview of Genetics and Epigenetics with Luigi Buccoto
It’s Time for a Mental Health Moonshot
To illustrate our point, in 1971 the United States declared a war on cancer by signing the National Cancer Act which launched a massive increase in federal spending for cancer research, prompting breakthroughs that led to better, more effective treatments. We need genetic and epigenetic research to develop more novel and targeted treatments, along with providing public education on these findings as a way to de-stigmatize mental health diseases.
Walt’s Waltz is honored to partner with CHCF Brain Foundation as we develop our film series Mental Health Moonshot. This series will complement our art exhibit at Greenville Center for Creative Arts titled Mental Health Moonshot opening in May 2024. The goal of this Moonshot Initiative is to educate our community about the role genetics and epigenetics can play in Mental Health Conditions and Diseases. Simply put, mental health conditions can be inherited. When epigenetics is involved, there is an intermingling of both nature and nurture. We also work to promote equity concerning fundamental and translational research to better understand the root causes of severe mental health conditions at molecular levels (Primary Prevention) as we see in other diseases and conditions.
If you would like to learn more about Mental Health Moonshot, please feel free to contact us for more information.