Media Release: Sacramento County to Host Youth Celebration in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

Local event aims to encourage hope and dispel myths about mental illness

Department of Health and Human Services
Sherri Z. Heller
Director

5/8/2015 10:00 PM

Media Contact:

Laura McCasland    mccaslandla@saccounty.net    (916) 875-2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Saturday, May 9, Sacramento County is hosting "Stigma Free 2015," a free public event for local youth and young adults to celebrate inclusion of all peers and inspire commitment to end stigma and discrimination. The event is part of the "Mental Illness: It's not always what you think" project in recognition of Mental Health Month.

WHO:
Countywide youth and young adults; Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services

WHAT:
A fun event for youth, teens and young adults to celebrate equal treatment of all people and commit to changing negative attitudes and perceptions about mental illness. The event will offer free food and refreshments, including pizza.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 9, 2015, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Clunie Community Center at McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95816

VISUALS:

 - Youth committing to be stigma free at selfie station

 - Expressive performances, including spoken word

 - Youth participating in scavenger hunt

 - Live music with 102.5 KSFM

RESOURCES:
The "Mental Illness: It's not always what you think" project, part of Sacramento County's Mental Health Services Act initiative, seeks to promote messages of wellness, hope and recovery, dispel the myths and stereotypes surrounding mental illness, and fundamentally alter negative attitudes and perceptions about mental illness and emotional disturbance.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to info@stopstigmasacramento.org.

For more information on Sacramento County's stigma and discrimination reduction project, please visit www.stopstigmasacramento.org.

 

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