Rihanna Joins Twitter CEO to Donate $15M for Mental Health Services

Rihanna‘s foundation has donated more than $15 million to mental health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The singer’s The Clara Lionel Foundation  has pledged the gargantuan amount with Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall initiative.

A statement from Rihanna’s foundation reads: “Racial injustices perpetrated by systems built to keep people safe are exacerbating the coronavirus’s mental health impact on individuals and families across the United States.

“Even as the majority of states have begun lifting restrictions in recent days, millions of Americans continue to face daunting challenges when it comes to their health, mental and economic wellbeing. (sic)”

The Clara Lionel Foundation was set up by Rihanna. The multi-million dollar contribution will go to organizations in Newark and Chicago “focused on addressing mental health issues, food insecurity, income loss and the needs of individuals excluded from federal stimulus programs.”

The statement reads: “In Newark, which has one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the country, senior citizens, low-income families and homeless individuals are facing impossible decisions everyday: whether to buy groceries or pay utility bills, risk eviction or risk crowded shelters. In Chicago, racial disparities are contributing to alarmingly disproportionate rates of infection and death among Black and Brown people. And throughout the U.S., mental health and suicide prevention support providers, particularly those serving children, at-risk students and LGBTQ youth have seen a dramatic rise in demand for their services. On June 18, in partnership with Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall initiative, we are donating more than $15 million to organizations focused on addressing mental health issues, food insecurity, income loss and the needs of individuals excluded from federal stimulus programs in Newark and Chicago (sic).”

Way to go, Rihanna!