September 22, 2026

So far, 4,411 people have taken the pledge to end the stigma of mental illness.

If you think mental illness is scary, imagine what happens when we don’t talk.

If you’re dealing with a mental health challenge, you are not alone. Approximately 1 in 5 Western New Yorkers are living with a mental health diagnosis, yet many of these people suffer in silence because of the discrimination that goes along with it. So, we’re starting a conversation to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Join us as we share our stories, our struggles and our successes. When we talk about mental health, we help everyone find their voice.

Join the conversation. Take the pledge to end the stigma around mental illness.

You are a friend. You are a teammate. You are a neighbor. You are so much more than your mental illness.

Join the community of 3,900+ people who have spoken up to stop stigma.

The Importance of Breaking The Stigma of Mental Illness

If you’re dealing with a mental health condition, let someone know. When we find someone that is willing to listen, sometimes we don’t even need an answer.

Ready to talk to someone?

If you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health issue, help is available. There are a variety of organizations and programs across Western New York standing by to assist children, adolescents, adults and families with prevention, treatment and recovery.

Find Resources

Erie county anti-stigma coalition presents: The State of Stigma

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Coming Up Next

An Open Discussion About Suicide & Finding Hope in the Darkness

September 24, 2026

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and talking openly about suicide can be an important step toward breaking the stigma and helping people find hope. Join us September 24 at noon for an open and compassionate conversation about suicide, including the myths that can keep us silent, how to recognize when someone may need support, and what we can do to help ourselves or someone we care about. Together, we can make it easier to talk, reach out and remind people that help and hope are available.

Find Out More

Check out all of our facebook lives

Our regular Facebook live events bring together experts from the mental health field and broader community to share information and about mental health topics and efforts to reduce stigma. These events are always free and open to the public.

70+ organizations. One common goal.

Why would some of the most prominent mental health groups and community thought leaders in Western New York invest their time, money and energy for one singular purpose? Because we think that life depends on it.

Initially serving Erie County, the Anti-Stigma Coalition was formed to stop the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re doing it by creating a community conversation where people can share their stories, their struggles, and their successes with each other. Through our efforts, we hope that people dealing with mental health challenges will know they are not alone, help is available and recovery is possible.

Become a member