Let’s Face It Campaign Returns this May to Eliminate Stigma and Enhance Access to Services

This May, Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) will once again launch its impactful Let’s Face It campaign to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Now in its fourth year, the campaign aims to erase the stigma surrounding mental health, increase public awareness, and make mental health resources more accessible to communities throughout Connecticut.

At the heart of the Let’s Face It campaign are the true stories of five Connecticut residents who have confronted mental health challenges and become advocates and inspirations for others. These personal narratives will be revealed throughout May on MHC’s website and social media platforms, providing connection, compassion, and a message of hope.

“At Mental Health Connecticut, we believe that every story told, and every conversation started, has the power to change lives,” said Luis B. Perez, President and CEO of Mental Health Connecticut. “Now in its fourth year, the Let’s Face It campaign continues to shine a light on the real faces behind mental health, breaking down stigma and building a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s displaying a lawn sign, lighting up green, or starting a conversation, every action counts in creating a safer and kinder Connecticut. Together, let’s face stigma head-on.”

The Let’s Face It campaign includes:

• Free lawn signs across the state aim to normalize conversations about mental health.
• Daily digital content on @mentalhealthCT’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn highlighting topics such as maternal health, loneliness, and age-specific mental health resources.
• Partnerships with businesses and municipalities to participate in “Light It Up Green,” illuminating buildings in green, the international color of mental health awareness.
• Fundraising efforts directly supporting MHC’s mental health services, education, and advocacy, including programs like the Art of Wellbeing studio at the Hispanic Health Council’s Family Wellness Center.

In 2024, the campaign reached 28 times more people than in previous years, hosted four events, tripled the requests for lawn signs, and saw three times as many buildings illuminated in green. It raised over $85,000 to support mental health services and programs.

ConnectiCare returns as the campaign’s presenting sponsor. “The Let’s Face It campaign has a profound impact on the health and well-being of residents,” said Mark Meador, President of ConnectiCare. “Each year, this initiative results in mental health resources being more accessible, helping individuals and families across the state have the tools they need to feel supported as they navigate their mental health journeys.”

The ConnectiCare Center in Manchester (1487 Pleasant Valley Rd) will host the following mental health-focused events throughout the month of May. The events are free and open to the public.

To learn more, get involved, or subscribe to the campaign newsletter, visit mhconn.org/education/lets-face-it-2 or contact Bethany Simmonds, Senior Director of Advancement at Mental Health Connecticut, at [email protected].