Our Second Meeting 9/24/14

During the short break today, Chase, Anika, Scott, Robert and Mary Beth met briefly in relation to Lindsay’s suggestion that we narrow our topic, stigmatizing mental illness, but we were unable to all meet at the same time. The discussion went to the possibility of targeting children and/or adolescents specifically, working with NAMI to recreate some form of their now defunct Stigmabuster program, or simply advocating for destigmatizing efforts in schools. One concern that arose surrounded the wisdom of targeting only children when their parents themselves so often need such education. The consensus is, however, that focusing on children and schools is more important. Over the next week, we will all consider this question and concerns that surround it in preparation for making a final decision on 10/2. At that meeting we will also share what each has already learned through research and community contacts with regard to the problem of stigmatizing mental illness. Submitted by Mary Beth Fitzpatrick