Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. May is Mental Health Month. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness to mental health, work to end stigma, provide support, educate people about the issue, and advocate for policies, services and care that support people with mental illness and their families.

One in five Americans is affected by a mental illness. Stigma only serves to create an environment of shame, fear and silence that discourages or even prevents people from seeking help and treatment. In some cases, lives are tragically lost. It’s important to recognize that the perception of mental illness won’t change unless we together act to change it.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Mental Health Association and so many providers, professionals, families and individuals are working to spread the word that stigma – though toxic – is 100 percent curable. The antidote can be found in compassion, empathy knowledge and understanding. Your voice can help spread the word.

Please join DePaul and countless others doing good work in our communities and help those with mental illness find the path to recovery. For 60 years, DePaul has been your community partner offering hope, housing and support to many.

We thank you for your support and advocacy.