SANDEF Donates Mattresses, Pillows To Psychiatric Patients In Osun

The Sage and Enamel Foundation (SANDEF) has donated ten mattresses, pillows, and bedsheets to the mental health department of the Osun State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.

The donation, which took place on Friday, is part of the foundation’s efforts to support psychiatric patients and improve their living conditions at the hospital.

Speaking during the event, SANDEF’s Executive Director, Dr Fikayo Benson, emphasized the importance of adequate care for mental health patients.

“Mental health affects everyone in one way or another, and the need for proper medical support cannot be overstated. Our goal is to contribute to the government’s effort in making healthcare accessible to mental health patients in the state,” he said.

Benson commended the Osun State government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, for its support in allowing the initiative to take place.

“If the government had not given us the approval to work within this space, we wouldn’t be able to do what we are doing today,” he added.

He further explained that the donation is part of a three-phase intervention to assist mental health patients in the state.

“The first phase involves subsidizing hospital bills for mental health patients. The second phase focuses on adopting individuals and covering all their medical expenses, while the third phase is about rehabilitating mentally ill individuals found on the streets—bringing them in for treatment and reintegrating them into society,” Benson said.

Receiving the items, Dr. Dare Folasade, Chief Psychiatrist Consultant at the hospital, expressed gratitude for SANDEF’s continuous support.

“This donation is more than just providing mattresses—it’s about ensuring dignity and comfort for our patients, especially those undergoing long-term treatment. For over a year, SANDEF has been supporting us, and we are truly grateful,” she said.

Dr. Folasade also noted that genetics, environmental factors, and economic conditions contribute to mental illness.

“Some people might have a genetic predisposition to mental illness but never experience a breakdown because they live in a stable environment. However, factors like financial instability and toxic surroundings can increase the risk,” she explained.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to improving mental healthcare and providing further assistance to psychiatric patients in Osun State.