LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is proud to observe May as Mental Health Month in a national effort to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.

"Many people are still reluctant or afraid to talk about mental illness because of the stigma that is attached with it," said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. "This month and beyond must be used to not only eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, but to help people feel comfortable talking about it and getting treatment for it. We have to create a community and a society of acceptance if we want healing."

In March, during the Anti-Stigma Conference in Detroit, Olszewski revealed a new slogan that will appear on billboards across the state during the course of the year: "Look Closer … see me for who I am." The slogan's message, developed by MDCH staff, members of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards and various MDCH stakeholders, conveys that there is no place for stigma.

Congress established May as Mental Health Month in 1949. This year's theme is focused on an essential component of maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness: social connectedness. The tagline for this year's observance is "Get Connected." There are many ways of creating connections that support mental health: Get connected to family and friends to feel close and supported. Get connected to your community to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Get connected to professional help to feel better when you're stressed and having trouble coping.

In 2006, MDCH started the Peer Support Specialist Program to help those living with a mental illness cope. Thus far, MDCH has 300 certified peer support specialists, all of whom are adults whose lives were interrupted by a serious mental illness. Peer specialists are trained in MDCH's peer support program to help others who are on the road to recovery.