Suozzi Launches Mental Illness

Anti-Stigma Campaign

-- County Initiative Aims to End Shame & Discrimination,

While Educating Public about Treatment Options

Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today launched the county’s Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Campaign, a two-pronged public education initiative that aims to eradicate the shame and stigma around mental illnesses while increasing public awareness of services.

“Today we unveil Nassau County’s first Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Campaign, both to raise the general public’s consciousness about the facts on mental health, and to ensure that people who need services will reach out for help without feeling stigmatized,” Suozzi said.

According to the United States Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Illness, one in five people experience some sort of mental illness during their lives – yet less than half seek and receive help. These stark statistics are the result of many factors: lack of insurance, lack of education and knowledge about mental illness, the stigma and shame of sufferers and their families and lack of information about how to access services.

“Here in Nassau County, treatment for the many varieties of mental illness and emotional disturbances are available,” Suozzi said. “Today, I am proud to take the lead in eliminating the shame – and discrimination – that often surrounds mental illness. We are rich in resources that promote mental health, and we invite everyone to learn the facts. No one should suffer unnecessarily.”

The Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Retardation & Developmental Disabilities, and the Mental Health Association of Nassau, a non-profit organization based in the Village of Hempstead, are directing this county-wide campaign. They will be responsible for placing public service announcements in newspapers and on radio, and for distributing posters throughout the county.