Atlanta, Georgia – Mayor Andre Dickens has formally announced the official start of a partnership with Silence the Shame, Inc., a groundbreaking mental health advocacy group, in a major step to solve mental health issues in Atlanta. Adding to the Mayor’s “Year of the Youth” campaign and his larger vision for a better Atlanta, this effort is meant to raise mental health awareness and services in the underprivileged areas of the city.
Atlanta native Shanti Das started Silence the Shame, Inc., which has been crucial in reducing the stigma around mental health, especially in underprivileged neighborhoods. The organization is well-known for its initiatives in raising mental health literacy and ensuring inclusive and easily available mental health discussions.
“Silence the Shame has already made significant strides in destigmatizing mental health and our Administration is proud to expand this years-long partnership” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Together, we will continue our work to ensure Atlanta is a city where mental health resources are accessible to everyone, furthering our mission to build healthy and thriving communities.”
The project arrives at a pivotal time. Mental health problems are of great concern in Atlanta, where over half of the population is Black. According to the CDC, suicide is the second most common cause of death among Black young people between the ages of 10 and 19; attempts at suicide within this population jumped by 73% between 2018 and 2019. Georgia also ranks 47th in access to mental health care, and over 60% of Black young people in Atlanta say they have experienced violence, seriously affecting their mental health.
Read also: Atlanta City Council approves new workplace protections for city employees
Addressing these disparities, the partnership will focus on several key areas:
- Raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a vital resource for those in immediate need.
- Hosting community events, trainings, and workshops to improve mental health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
- Expanding access to culturally competent care through a series of wellness seminars and self-care activities that are free to the public.
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Atlanta to bring much needed awareness to the 988 Crisis Lifeline in our community. Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, and everyone in the City of Atlanta deserves access to the resources they need to thrive,” said Shanti Das, the CEO and Founder Silence the Shame.
Featuring internet awareness efforts and events in local venues like Atlanta’s IKE Boards, the campaign promises to be a thorough one. Through education and easily available care options, the purpose is to empower underprivileged groups thereby ensuring that every resident has the means necessary to control their mental health.
Details and a complete calendar are available at silencetheshame.com for individuals who would want further information about the campaign or take part in forthcoming activities. Especially for people in underprivileged areas, this cooperation symbolizes an optimistic path towards lessening mental health stigma and improving the general well-being of every Atlanta resident.
Find a video message from Mayor Dickens at this link.
