"Stop the Stigma" Program Receives Award

A 2019 recipient of the Dr. R. Murali Krishna Family Eliminate the Stigma Award is the Pathways to Healthy Living initiative “Stop the Stigma” (www.stopthestigmaok.org).  The Krishna Family Eliminate the Stigma award was developed as a way to honor persons or organizations that have shown an outstanding contribution to the community by eliminating stigma about mental illness and improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.

 
The goal of “Stop the Stigma” is to educate our communities about mental illness and empower them to not “stigmatize” those suffering.  There is a pledge people can sign to show their willingness to Stop the Stigma.  This is a continuation of Pathways’ goal to get the conversation started about mental illness.

 
Over 700 individuals have signed the initiative's pledge to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.  The pledge asks people to 1) provide a voice for those who can't speak for themselves; 2) have the courage to speak up and challenge the stereotypes and attitudes regarding mental illness; 3) serve as an example in changing the way mental illness is viewed; 4) recognize their prejudices about mental illness and work toward changing them; and 5) choose their words carefully when referencing those with mental illness.