My name is Autumn
"People don’t understand, it’s not a character flaw, it’s not a choice. I am a human being with goals, dreams, thoughts, aspirations."
Watch Autumn's Story
My Name is Jordan
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life … I don’t know where I would be without the people I met, without the help I got.”
Watch Jordan's Story
My name is Tajuanna
“If you have mental health issues it will be okay. You will be okay.”
Watch Tajuanna’s Story
My name is Zach
“Mental illness can be anybody. Even those you least expect.”
Watch Zack's Story
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Understand Stigma

Stigma is a major barrier to people struggling with mental health and substance use feeling included in their community and getting the help they need.
Learn ABout Stigma

Upcoming Events & Recordings of Past Events

We invite you to attend our WISE Coalition meetings and special events. Meetings are free and most take place virtually. Recordings of past Coalition meetings can be found by clicking “view all.”

View All

End Stigma Together: The WISE Approach

WISE – Initiative for Stigma Elimination, is dedicated to reducing oppression related to mental illness by building resilience, inclusion, and hope for mental health and addiction in all communities.

Learn about stigma

Stigma is a major barrier to people getting the help they need. Take time to learn what it is and how to overcome it.
Stigma 101 Course

DECIDE HOW AND WHEN TO DISCLOSE

The Up to Me curriculum helps people make choices about if, when, and how they share their mental health and substance use struggles.
LEARN ABOUT UP TO ME COURSE

SUPPORT OTHERS

Learn how to respond in a supportive, non-judgmental way when people with mental health and other challenges are ready to share.
BE A SAFE PERSON

Build Compassion Resilience

Facilitator resources for professionals and caregivers to prevent compassion fatigue.
Compassion Resilience Toolkits

WISE Words

Experts offering their best advice, research and insights around stigma reduction.
Go to blog

BECOME A PARTNER & COLLABORATE

Join with other organizations and individuals to work to reduce stigma.
Get Involved
~World Health Organization
“Stigma is a major cause of discrimination and exclusion and it contributes to the abuse of human rights.”
~SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
“Substance use disorder is among the most stigmatized conditions in the US and around the world. People do not want to work with, be related to, or even see people with a substance use disorder in public..”
~Center for Addiction and Mental Health
“Health care providers, like the general public, are not immune to stigmatizing attitudes and practices. This can drive people away from seeking help for their mental health, physical health, or substance use issues.”
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