New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) honored the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition and its Join the Conversation Campaign with an inaugural Community Care Award. The Coalition received the award for furthering the OMH mission and making a positive contribution to the mental health system in Erie County and Western New York.
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, said, “OMH is fortunate to have many great partners across the State who are helping us raise awareness of mental health issues and fight against the stigma surrounding mental illness and treatment. The Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition is doing excellent work educating the public, providing valuable information about resources in the community and sharing stories about people’s successes on the road to recovery. Its work is increasing access to mental health care and addressing the challenges stigma creates for individuals seeking help.”
OMH noted that the website, letstalkstigma.org and social media platforms have been very successful in educating the public about mental health and encouraging people to take the pledge to end the stigma of mental illness.
Max Donatelli, Chair of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition & Family Advocate, said, “Our Coalition has been passionate about finding creative ways to extend our reach over the past two years through ongoing social media, tv commercials and appearances, monthly newsletters, recruiting new organizational members and recruiting individual members by having us take the pledge to help stop stigma, and initiating numerous community presentations. On behalf of this amazing collaborative team composed of government reps, voluntary agencies, funders, marketing and PR reps, and volunteers, I am thankful for this special recognition.”
The award was presented during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
