WHAT IS STIGMA?

People fear what they don’t understand. Because of this, people often avoid those with mental illness, react in an angry or frightened manner, call them ugly names, and stereotype them. The result is that mental illness itself has become stigmatized. To be mentally ill in the Virgin Islands means to be looked down on, ignored, yelled at, and talked about negatively.

The stigma associated with mental illness, according to former US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, results in outright discrimination and abuse.

The US Virgin islands have seen more than their share of discrimination and abuse of the mentally ill. Beginning with the lack of understanding by family members and authorities, and ending with the insufficient medical facilities, mental health is so stigmatized that we at 10,000 Helpers have extended our mission to include a campaign to end the stigma associated with the disease.

THE 10,000 HELPERS ANTI-STIGMA CAMPAIGN

• A public relations campaign to educate the public, families and individuals suffering from mental illness


• Information and training in the public schools so students can recognize the illness in themselves and others


• Lobbying efforts before the Legislature and political leaders to staff mental health facilities adequately


• Advocacy for more outreach clinics and agencies to handle the disease


• Raising funds to continue these and other activities to lessen the discrimination and abuse in our society

We need your help. Through volunteering and/or donating, you can become an advocate for mental health in your community. Please --

CALL OUR OFFICES AT (340) 719-2828