Hospital's campaign highlights mental illness
News-TopicJul 15, 2018
Placed on the first floor, the tree is part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the pervasiveness of mental illness in the community, establishing a cultural foundation for
Right now, there are about 300 leaves, each placed by someone who has been affected in some way by mental illness -- either their own or a family member's, said
"When we look at creating a community-based behavioral health program, one of the most important things is the culture in which the care is provided," she said.
Hospital officials hope the tree, which was put up in May, will increase awareness of the prevalence of mental illness and lessen the stigma that surrounds a mental health diagnosis.
"We can change the way the world sees mental illness," Stanislaw said.
Construction of the behavoral health pavilion is expected to begin late this year. When completed, it will include a 28-bed inpatient unit, an outpatient clinic and a resource center for families to learn about mental health and illnesses.
Reporter
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