James Plastiras Director of Public Information New York State Office of Mental Health 518-474-6540 james.plastiras@omh.ny.gov May 30, 2019
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OMH Recognizes the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition for its Service to the Community |
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Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition in Buffalo as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards. These awards are given during May – Mental Health Awareness Month – to recognize the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations who have furthered the OMH mission and made a positive contribution to the mental health system in their communities.
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.”
Max Donatelli, Chair of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition & Family Advocate, said, “As chair of the Coalition, I am excited and proud of our team being recognized by the NYS Office of Mental Health. The Join the Conversation Campaign and LetsTalkStigma.org were developed to get people in our community talking intelligently about mental health, mental illness, and wellness in efforts to help stop the stigma of mental illness. 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 Coalition’s website and social media platforms engage the public and encourage people to learn about mental health and take a pledge to end the stigma of mental illness. To date, more than 1,600 individuals have taken this pledge. The Coalition also provides valuable information regarding resources in the community as well as individual stories of struggles and successes. The sixteen founding members consist of a cross section of agencies in the community as well as Erie County government.
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