Lewondell Mental Health Solutions (LMHS) Inc., a Liberian non-profit Organization Launched to Combat Stigma and Strengthen Mental Health Response in Liberia.

In a bold and timely effort to tackle one of Liberia’s most pressing but often overlooked public health challenges, a new non-profit organization-Lewondell Mental Health Solutions, Inc- has officially launched to ending stigma and discrimination against people living with mental health issues and substance abuse.
At a well-attended launch event held in Paynesville, on May 9, 2025, government officials from Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Liberia National Police (LNP), Ministry of Justice, health professionals, community leaders, students, and concerned citizens gathered at the Paynesville City Town Hall to witness a pivotal moment in Liberia’s mental health journey.

End Stigma and Discrimination through Awareness

Under the theme “End Stigma and Discrimination against People Living with Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse through Awareness” the event emphasized the urgent need to break the silence surrounding mental health, and to replace stigma with empathy, support and collective action.
Delivery the keynote address, on behalf of Hon. Moses Ziah II, the Director of the mental health Unit, Mr. Eric T. Weah, Monitoring, Evaluation &; Research Officer at the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, highlighted the increasing impact of mental health conditions and substance abuse in schools and communities. He
reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with grassroots organizations like Lewondell to address these issues holistically.

“Drugs affect all across the aisle; the impact does not segregate based on status, but Society chooses to judge rather than understand the causes of mental illness’’. ‘’Together, let’s begin to raise a generation that will love and care; let us all be advocates everywhere and any time, and let us end stigma and discrimination around mental health, drugs and substance abuse.” And to the affected people, Mr. Weah emphasized, “seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness; mental illness and drugs abuse are not moral failure and character flaws. They are rather health conditions”, he concluded.

A Passionate Call for Support and Partnership

In a stirring speech, Mr. Levi Wondeyee, CEO and Founder of Lewondell Mental Health Solutions, passionately appealed to both national and international donors to support their cause.

He cautioned, “the future of Liberia’s youth depends on our ability to respond effectively and compassionately to the mental health crisis sweeping our country”. He further emphasized Lewondell Mental Health Solutions’ mission of helping Liberia secure the future of its youths by partnering with the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and others to respond to the mental health, substance and drug abuse crisis in Liberia.

“Far too long the impacts of trauma, anxiety, drug addiction and depression have been overlooked. Today, we rise together to change that narrative, ensuring that every Liberian has access to quality mental health care, support, and hope for a better tomorrow, regardless of their background and circumstances”.

With an initial, personal investment of USD 50,000 to set up the office in Monrovia, the CEO called on individuals, private institutions, government ministries and agencies, and donors to support the initiative. “We cannot do it alone. We need funding to open more offices across the country. We need transportation to help
more youths get to the offices for counseling and treatment, we need expertise, and most importantly, we need solidarity”. “And let us work hand in hand to create a Liberia where mental health care is not a privilege but a right”.

Mr. Wondeyee emphasized that Lewondell’s mission is rooted in helping Liberia secure a brighter future for its young people. By partnering with the Ministry of Health and with support from other development organizations, the organization aims to develop a robust and inclusive response to mental and substance abuse challenges across the country.

Comprehensive, Sustainable Mental Health Services Across Liberia

Outlining the organization’s 5-year sustainable plan, Mr. Wondeyee disclosed that Lewondell Mental Health Solutions, Inc., will be working nationwide in schools and communities to implement impactful mental health programs, including:

• • Public education and awareness campaigns to challenge myths, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and prevention
  • Psychological Counseling to support individuals and families affected by mental health conditions and drug abuse, and to detect early signs of mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Treatment and rehabilitation services to provide long-term recovery pathways, including a construction of rehabilitation center in Ganta city, Nimba County, to offer life skills development to help young people reintegrate into society and create job opportunities for estimated 10,000 youths.
  • Reintegration programs to help affected individuals return to their communities with dignity and purpose, through job placement and small business start-up programs.

How You Can Help

Now is the time for individuals, communities, organizations, and international partners to come together. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, everyone has a role to play in ending stigma and building a mentally healthier Liberia.

Follow Lewondell Mental Health Solutions on social media, share their message, or reach out to (contact@lewondellmhs.org) to find out how you can contribute. Together, we can ensure that no one suffers in silence.

The launch event also featured a street parade, dance and singing performances by students of participating schools. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, a photographs session, and refreshment for participants.