Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the events and achievements of the past year, we are excited to present OCD Louisiana’s 2023 Annual Report. Misconceptions about OCD and related disorders highlight the necessity of increasing awareness and building community connections. Through the New Orleans One Million Steps for OCD Walk, we facilitated meaningful conversations, established support networks, and promoted education about OCD and its related disorders within our community.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in October, approximately 50 walkers convened in Washington Square. Together, we raised over $2000 for OCD Louisiana and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), enabling us to provide complimentary registration to the IOCDF’s online conferences for three fortunate individuals. Furthermore, thanks to our partnership with Rise Center for OCD and Anxiety, our walkers had the opportunity to showcase their superhero powers against OCD. The following month, members gathered again for a heartwarming “Hope for the Holidays” event, crafting homemade cards to send messages of hope to individuals who were away from home over the holiday season while undergoing residential treatment for OCD and related disorders.
Throughout the year, OCD Louisiana engaged with the community via various channels including social media, email campaigns, and fundraising events, alongside collaborating with local organizations. Leveraging our website and social media platforms, we kept the community informed about virtual and in-person events hosted by IOCDF and other affiliates, as well as opportunities for involvement in research studies aimed at advancing understanding of OCD and related disorders. Attending the IOCDF’s Annual OCD Conference in San Francisco and the Online OCD Conference, allowed our board members to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections.
OCD Louisiana, as part of our commitment to increasing access to evidenced-based treatment, has continued to facilitate learning opportunities for providers and trainees. We have upheld our commitment to providing a free, monthly virtual consultation group for professionals, ensuring ongoing support for addressing clinical inquiries and exchanging therapeutic strategies. Our board members were asked to present at professional conferences, a therapist in-service training, and continuing education webinars, covering OCD topics ranging from early detection, differential diagnoses, and treatment using exposure and response prevention and acceptance and commitment therapy. Last year, we also introduced our clinician training scholarship program, to sponsor Louisiana clinicians and trainees in their learning about evidence-based assessment and treatment of OCD or related disorders like body dysmorphic disorder and hoarding. Thanks to your generous donations, three clinicians from across Louisiana were awarded this scholarship and will be able to bring their training back to their home communities.
Last year, we were also provided a unique opportunity to further our commitment to improving access to care. JACK Mental Health Advocacy, in consultation with the IOCDF, put out a call for proposals for their new Plant a Summer Camp Program. OCD Louisiana, in partnership with Rise Center for OCD and Anxiety submitted a proposal and was fortunate to be one of three IOCDF affiliates to be selected for grant funding. We have been working very hard behind the scenes on the development of Courageous Campers, a one-week therapeutic summer camp designed for children and adolescents navigating anxiety and OCD. Our unique program seamlessly blends summer camp fun with evidence-based interventions, allowing campers to conquer fears and break free from the cycle of anxiety. Please visit ocdlouisiana.org/courageous-campers to learn how to enroll your child in Courageous Campers and how your support can help us provide an empowering experience for these extraordinary campers.
Looking ahead to 2024, our primary focus will be on the launch of Courageous Campers in July. We will continue to provide educational presentations and facilitate our consultation group for professionals. We aim to expand our volunteer base to offer more in-person and virtual initiatives, including hosting the Annual One Million Steps for OCD Walk.
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the IOCDF for their unwavering support throughout the year. We are deeply appreciative of the solidarity and compassion demonstrated by the people of Louisiana, whose support fuels our mission. Together, we look forward to continuing this meaningful work in the year ahead.
Regards,
Kristin E Fitch
President, OCD Louisiana