Western Wisconsin Health is taking part in a community-wide campaign called Make It OK to shrink the stigma of mental illness. This is a grassroots effort to start conversations in our communities about mental illness and reduce the stigma. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses is one of the barriers that keep people from getting the help they need and deserve. The goal of this initiative is to make it just as ok to talk about mental illness as we do about diabetes, heart disease and other physical illnesses, and help those affected feel comfortable seeking treatment.

Western Wisconsin Health is hosting a Make It OK Community Kick-off Event at the Baldwin-Woodville High School on Tuesday, May 2 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Join us for a special presentation and conversation on mental illness and ways to reduce the stigma. This event will feature a panel conversation with healthcare, mental health, school, community and faith leaders. The panel will discuss local strategies to reduce stigma and plans to improve mental health care in the region in addition to answering any questions that you may have.

Panel Speakers include:

• Eric Russell, Baldwin-Woodville School District
• Pastor Keith Anderson – Zion Lutheran Church
• Bev Green, MSSW, LCSW – Western Wisconsin Health
• Dr. Shelley Stanton, Psychiatrist – Western Wisconsin Health
• Perin Dooley, Baldwin EMS Paramedic
• Elle Metz, BW student

You can help spread the word on ways to reduce mental health stigma. Consider attending our free training to become a Make It OK ambassador on Tuesday, May 16 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Western Wisconsin Health. At this training, you will receive the tools and resources to be able to talk about Make It OK at community groups and events. All are welcome; you do not need to be a mental health expert to participate.

Learn more about the Make It OK campaign and find personal stories of people living with mental illness, tips on talking about mental illnesses and more at makeitok.org. You can also make a pledge to join the initiative to help stop the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness.

For more information or to register for our upcoming Make It OK events, please visit wwhealth.org in the “Classes” section or contact Natasha Ward at 715-684-1285 or community.wellness@wwhealth.org.