MHC’s “Let’s Face It” Program Expands Mental Health Awareness

The absolute last thing someone with a mental health condition needs is to feel ashamed. It only exacerbates the problem and can prevent you from seeking help.

And for those comfortable acknowledging they need professional help, the last thing they need is trouble accessing it.

Given the current perilous political reality, a growing number of LGBTQ+ people will certainly find themselves in either of the above situations.

Thus is the impetus for the Let’s Face It campaign, the Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) annual initiative in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, to eradicate stigma, increase awareness, and provide mental health resources.

Every May since 2022, MHC publicizes the stories of Connecticut individuals overcoming and addressing mental health challenges, blankets the state with Mental Health Awareness Month lawn signs, shares essential information via social media and a newsletter, and supports the Mental Health America “Light It Up Green” campaign by partnering with businesses to light their buildings green—the international symbolic color for mental health. Importantly, the campaign also focuses on fundraising so that MHC can perform its work: providing mental health services, education and advocacy.

The five people to be featured in the 2025 campaign were announced after CT Voice’s press time, but you can find them in May on MHC’s website and social media pages.

How you, too, can “face it”

Anyone interested in taking part can help in several ways: share an MHC post, donate, host a fundraiser, put out a lawn sign, or ask local businesses to display lawn signs and light their buildings green.

Organizations and businesses can do the same. Public buildings, Stamford Hospital, The Bushnell, and The Hartford, are among the many that have participated in “Light It Up Green.”

Past fundraisers have been fun and varied, like the axe-throwing party one person hosted last year, says Bethany Simmonds, senior director of development for MHC. Or like the workout-for-charity class held by LIFT Performance gym.

If you’re ready for a major commitment, consider joining the Cross-Connecticut Run for Mental Health. Participants run all 57 miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail from West Suffield to New Haven! Visit mhconn.org or email development@mhconn.org to learn more and get started.

More important than ever

Given the current climate, the “Let’s Face It” campaign is more important that ever. MHC Public Policy Manager Christian Damiana issued this statement:

President Trump’s second term could have far-reaching consequences for mental health care access nationwide, especially for vulnerable populations like LGBTQ+ individuals. While the full scope of the administration’s planned policy reforms are uncertain, we must be prepared to defend against actions that reduce access to essential services, reduce patient protections, and create discriminatory barriers to care,”  said Damiana.

“With Connecticut’s behavioral health crisis at an all-time high, access to quality health care is crucial. Actions like weakening health protections enshrined in federal law and restricting access to care for certain populations like transgender youth could exacerbate these changes. Federal changes may also make it harder for LGBTQ+ people to find affirming behavioral health providers,” he continued.

“In response, Connecticut’s government is working to safeguard access to mental health care and uphold state-level protections regardless of federal policy shifts. Now more than ever, we must ensure that every person, regardless of gender identity, can receive the mental health care they need,” Damiana concluded.

Every story could change lives

The campaign literally gives a face—or five—to the ways mental health issues impact individuals. MHC President and CEO Luis B. Perez says, “At Mental Health Connecticut, we believe that every story told, and every conversation started, has the power to change lives. 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.”

In May 2024, the campaign raised more than $85,000 and reached 28 times more individuals than in past years. MHC held four events and attended more than ten. Lawn sign requests tripled. Three times as many buildings were lit up green.

Funds raised are also shared with partner organizations. For example, donations from the last two campaigns funded the new Art of Wellbeing studio at the Hispanic Health Council’s Family Wellness Center in Hartford. The studio offers free visual art, music, dance and writing workshops, and provides an open studio.

One of the campaign’s enthusiasts and presenting sponsor is ConnectiCare. President Mark Meador says, “At ConnectiCare, our commitment to the well-being of Connecticut residents extends beyond health coverage. We are dedicated to creating healthier communities. The Let’s Face It campaign has a profound impact on the health and well-being of residents. 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. ConnectiCare is proud to partner with Mental Health Connecticut and of the impact this campaign continues to have.”

This year’s faces 

Look for this year’s Connecticut residents’ stories in May on MHC’s website (mhconn.org/education/). Also look for informative daily content under the handle @mentalhealthCT on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up for the Let’s Face It newsletter by using the QR code accompanying this article.

Topics are different each day and include: information and resources specific to particular populations and topics (such as maternal health, loneliness, and different age groups); advocacy, including how to get involved in this legislative session; story-sharing, and resources.

MHC’s mission is to partner with individuals, families and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. Its goal, in simple terms, is for people to be happy, healthy and independent.

—Jane Latus