GRANTS PROGRAM

For Immediate Release:
September 20, 2011

Mental Health Foundation Presents 2011 “It’s Okay to Talk About It” Grants

Program developed from suggestion by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson

Grant Summary

The Mental Health Foundation recently presented its 2011 “It’s Okay to Talk About It” grants to support peer-to-peer initiatives to encourage young people to confront their mental health challenges. A total of $30,000 in grants, representing an expansion of the 2010 program, were formally announced and presented at the Mental Health Foundation’s annual August Evening in Saratoga with more than 125 guests in attendance.

Former New York First Lady Matilda Cuomo, a Foundation board member, and first lady of Saratoga Marylou Whitney served as Honorary Co-chairs for the event and greeted guests along with Mrs. Whitney’s husband, John Hendrickson. The grant program developed from a suggestion by Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Hendrickson two years ago to use the phrase “it’s okay to talk about it” as a way to reach young people and help end stigma associated with mental health.

“We are truly grateful to Marylou and John for all of their support and suggestions, “ Cuomo said.  “They inspire us and help us spread hope.  We are thrilled and grateful that they grace our event year after year and help us deliver such an important message that there is no shame in mental disease.”

New recipients were the University of Medicine and Dentristry of New Jersey; Groundworks, Inc. of Brooklyn; East Stroudsburg College of Pennsylvania; The Mental Association of Nassau County and the Albany-based ClearView Center received continued grant support from the program. All of the grants support peer-to-peer outreach programs targeted at HS or college age young people.

The Mental Health Foundation is focused on supporting educational efforts to improve understanding about mental disease and encouraging people to get the help they need.