STAR Program Tackles Mental Health Stigma
By: Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC Jose Iorio The STAR Health Center Breaking Barriers: STAR Program’s “Stop Mental Health Stigma” Campaign Leads the Charge A Movement for Change 🔗 Watch the full campaign video here! In a time when mental health discussions are still clouded by stigma and misinformation, the STAR Program at SUNY Downstate Health and Sciences University is leading the charge to create real change. Backed by funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, the “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign is more than just an awareness initiative—it’s a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and empowering communities to talk openly about mental health. With the expertise of Jose Iorio, media and marketing consultant for the STAR Program, and Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC, Behavioral Health Director at STAR Health Center, the campaign is making a tangible impact by using innovative outreach strategies to challenge stereotypes, engage communities, and promote mental well-being. The Power of Personal Stories and Digital Outreach One of the most powerful tools in the fight against mental health stigma is storytelling. Through the STAR Program’s Stigma Reduction Project, the campaign amplifies the voices of those with lived experiences and mental health professionals, offering real, relatable perspectives that help break down misconceptions. Social media plays a crucial role in this initiative. Jose Iorio highlights how multilingual content, personal testimonials, roundtable discussions, and interactive quizzes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are reshaping conversations about mental health. These efforts are particularly effective in reaching younger audiences (ages 18-34), encouraging them to engage, learn, and support one another. The campaign also collaborates with key community organizations like the Adolescent Education Program (THEO), ensuring its message extends to high school and early college students—especially within African American and Caribbean communities—who are often underserved in mental health conversations. More Than Awareness: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Beyond digital advocacy, the “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign takes a hands-on approach to improving mental health literacy and access to resources. Michelle Melendez emphasizes the campaign’s diverse initiatives, which include: ✅ Suicide prevention training✅ Mental Health Awareness Month events✅ Workplace mental health programs✅ Culturally tailored resources for diverse communities By addressing social determinants of health and public policy issues, the campaign also works to influence systemic change—ensuring mental health care is more inclusive, accessible, and equitable. A Commitment to Community and Future Impact The campaign’s STOPMentalHealthStigma.com website serves as a hub of resources, education, and engagement, drawing thousands of visitors and generating insightful data on public attitudes toward mental health. These insights help shape future outreach efforts, ensuring they reach the most vulnerable and underrepresented communities—especially young men, who are often less likely to seek help. The STAR Program’s commitment to fighting stigma was also showcased in a major presentation for the “NY State Community Mental Health Anti-Stigma Projects.” Introduced by Dr. Jack A. DeHovitz, STAR Program Director, the session highlighted the campaign’s transformative impact and its role in advancing New York State’s Strategic Plan for Mental Health Stigma Reduction. Join the Movement The fight against mental health stigma requires everyone’s participation. Whether by sharing personal stories, engaging with social media content, attending community events, or advocating for mental health education, we all have a role to play. The STAR Program’s “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign is not just about changing minds—it’s about changing lives. Together, we can create a future where mental health is understood, accepted, and supported. For more information, visit STOPMentalHealthStigma.com or contact:📩 Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC – michelle.melendez@downstate.edu📩 Jose Iorio – jose.iorio@downstate.edu About the STAR Program The STAR Health Center is recognized as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, offering comprehensive, patient-centered care for Brooklyn’s diverse communities. Learn more at STAR Program Website.
