NYAPRS Note: Americans with mental health conditions remain one of the few often discriminated groups who have yet to have their moment when we and our supporters all said ‘enough!’ and expected if not demanded to be treated with dignity, respect and with full consideration for our civil rights.
Other groups have had their historic moments: African Americans had their Selma, women has their Seneca Falls and LGBTQI individuals had their Stonewell moments.
A number of us have been talking over the past years with each other and many of you about generating the effort to get to that moment…and here’s the first step in our destination to dignity.
On August 24th in Washington, people with mental health conditions, their family members, community providers, disability rights advocates, celebrities, political leaders and others will gather on participate in a march and series of related events to take that first step.
Groups ranging from the Copeland Center to Mental Health America and the National Council to the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors to NYAPRS have signed on to The Dignity Mental Health Coalition and so can you!
Make your plans to be in DC on this historic day! See http://www.destinationdignity.org/#donatenow for more details.
DESTINATION DIGNITY: The March for Dignity and Change in Mental Health
August 24, 2015, 12 p.m.; National Mall, Washington, DC
The moment has come to stand up for the dignity and rights of Americans affected by mental health conditions!
On any given day, more than 60 million Americans, up to 1 in 5, are living with mental health and substance use conditions, including intense psychological distress. Yet it is still considered acceptable to fear, ridicule and discriminate against Americans with mental health conditions, also known as mental illnesses. Our nation’s negative response to mental illnesses creates barriers to recovery—fostering despair, isolation, and the death by suicide of over 40,000 Americans annually. We say enough!
At the Destination Dignity March, people personally affected by mental health challenges, distress and suicide will step forward, along with our supporters, to demand change for the health of our nation. We say enough!
We call for an America in which every person affected by mental health challenges is valued in their communities and supported with the right kind of help when and where they need it.
JOIN US ON AUGUST 24 TO CALL FOR DIGNITY AND CHANGE!
WHAT: Destination Dignity is a collaborative project for change and public engagement around mental health in America. The Destination Dignity March will bring together people from around the nation and the world, with individuals affected by mental health conditions in the lead, to create energy and solidarity for a more supportive nation. It will consist of a rally on the National Mall, along with two options for a march, one longer and one shorter. Many communities and local and national organizations are contributing to this effort through the Dignity Mental Health Coalition (see below).
Rally & March: *August 24, 11am-2pm, Hyatt Regency Hotel/National Mall (Capitol end).
*Reception and event, 5pm-7pm, Washington, DC (location TBA)
Program: National leaders and champions will present from 11am- and 1pm.
More info and regular updates at : www.DestinationDignity.org
WHY: The dignity and rights of individuals affected by mental health conditions are the counterpoint to a legacy of stigma, shame and discrimination that has caused social isolation, chronic underfunding of services, unconscionable levels of disability and unemployment, and indefensible levels of premature death, including by suicide, of people affected by symptoms of mental illness. Public awareness of the issues must be led by people who have experienced these impacts personally, along with their supporters, allies and related professionals. Activating the previously silent millions of Americans affected is the key to creating healthier communities for all.
WHO: The Dignity Mental Health Coalition includes: Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery; Mental Health America; the Center for Dignity, Recovery and Empowerment; New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services; the Ida Mae Campbell Center; Active Minds; MHA Maryland; the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Carson J. Spencer Foundation; the American Association of Suicidology; the Entertainment Industries Council; Recovery Innovations; the National Empowerment Center; the National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse; National Mental Health & Dignity Day; the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors; Community Access (NYC); the National Association of Social Workers, and many others.
https://www.facebook.com/MHDignityMarch; Twitter: @MHDignityMarch
www.DestinationDignity.org; dignitymarch@mentalhealthsf.org
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What are the goals of the group and event?
The goals of Destination Dignity are public visibility, engagement, coalition-building and advocacy in support of mental health in an atmosphere of dignity.
- Why this date and time?
This march is designed to build upon the attendance of the Wrap Around the World conference, beginning on August 24. The conference site hotel (Hyatt Regency Washington) will be involved in the staging. Scheduling the march before the beginning of the school year and while Congress is in recess also offers an excellent opportunity for participation of families and broader communities.
- Is the march related to current legislation, a policy action, “Hill” advocacy or any similar agenda?
No. The Destination Dignity March does not pertain to any current legislation or proposed policy item, and the Dignity Mental Health Coalition holds no official position on any such legislation or policies. Our goal is to highlight mental health issues and the need for change. Details on the range of change areas and impacts related to policy, financing and community support for mental health and suicide prevention are provided without reference to current or proposed legislation, for general discussion and public information, on the Destination Dignity website and in social media.
- Is this relate to conflict with The Unite to Face Addiction March on October 4?
We are in full support of and in communication with the substance use/addiction recovery community who are presenting the Unite to Face Addiction events. We expect and fully support participation of all people in recovery at both events.
- Who is welcome/invited? Who should participate?
This is an open public event inviting all who are supportive of Destination Dignity’s values and messages, which are focused on the need for better support for, and the rights and dignity of, individuals affected by mental health conditions. We are actively seeking the involvement of local and national organizations in the disability, faith, LGBTQI and broader communities for promotion and engagement.
- How is the event funded? Who is presenting it?
Destination Dignity is a grassroots volunteer movement funded principally by dedicated advocates, in-kind support of organizations and individuals, and other financial and in-kind donations. The funding and long-term strategies are established to sustain the effort into future awareness campaigns as well.
HOW CAN I HELP/JOIN/SUPPORT ???
To contribute to the National Destination Dignity Fund, visit the web page and select Destination Dignity as your cause, or contact dignitymarch@mentalhealthsf.org.