NYAPRS Note: 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 4—are living with mental health and substance use conditions, including intense psychological distress. Nearly all of these people can recover, but social stigma and a culture of discrimination make it that much harder every day.
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—reflected across the country in poverty, unemployment, homelessness, criminalization, serious medical neglect 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 and substance challenges step forward, along with supporters and communities from across the country, 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.
We call for a national strategy for social justice and dignity to counter the history of discrimination and stigma.
We call for all Americans who’ve experienced the impacts of mental illness, including families and providers, to join with us and march for change!
Don’t miss the inspiring Dignity Day keynote panel presentation at NYAPRS’ Annual Conference that will feature national organizer Eduardo Vega and state organizers Julie Erdman, Jeff McQueen, Carla Rabinowitz and Sue Parinello. You can register at https://rms.nyaprs.org/event/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=21
October 10, 2016 is World Mental Health Day
Join us on October 10, 2016 to March for Change for our Nation.
| For too long, mental health has been disregarded and people with mental health and substance abuse challenges have stood in the shadows. The time is now for all those impacted by the stigma and social injustice we face to step up in pride and unity. To Demand Dignity Now. |
WHEN: OCTOBER 10, 2016L 11am
WHERE: Washington DC, Capitol Grounds Reflecting Pool March
through DC streets to the Washington Monument.