#LookBeyond
#BESTIGMAFREE
#LookBeyond is a campaign to reduce stigma and increase understanding, support and positive attitudes toward people throughout Kalamazoo County who are living with and/or are affected by: Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders and Developmental disabilities.
We’re asking all of Kalamazoo County to get involved. This includes: schools, municipalities, service providers, faith communities, public and private organizations, businesses and all individuals.
As Kalamazoo County opens up from the shutdown, hope is in the air.
Yet our community is still dealing with the stress of a major crisis.
Click HERE to learn about a new campaign to offer support and resources for staying safe, healthy, resilient, and hopeful during and after COVID-19.
1 OF 5
1 out of 5 Americans experience mental illness. In Kalamazoo County, that comes out to about 52,000 people (2016 population: 261,654).
Almost
8%
Almost 8 percent of the U.S. population over age 12 meets criteria for a substance use disorder. (Of those, only 10 percent received treatment.)
Roughly
15%
Roughly 15 percent of children in the United States — or about one in six — have a developmental disability (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders).
Mental health, substance use and developmental disability challenges have been increasing in the U.S. These challenges affect thousands of people in Kalamazoo County. They are all potentially subject to stigma, as well as their families and caregivers. Stigma has RIPPLE EFFECTS. For our community to thrive, we need to address it.
By reducing stigma, the entire community can benefit in areas like health, education and overall wellbeing. ISK is proud to have provided direct service to thousands of individuals for over 50 years in our community. With #LookBeyond, we hope to also address SYSTEMIC CHANGE that will improve the lives of the populations we serve – and the larger community as well.
Mandy's Story: "You have a purpose. Never give up!"
We can be that beacon of light, just calling out to everyone, “Hey, step out of the dark. Do not let fear decide your choice in life.”
Jamey's Story: Now I know that I’m not alone
I learned that my depression and other disorders do not define me; I can be who I want to be, and it doesn’t matter what others think of me.
We can’t let stigma hinder our efforts to control this pandemic and save lives. Read On
We’ve experienced a crisis. It’s ok to not be ok. Here’s how to get help. Read On
Student voices highlighted Read On
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
418 West Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269.553.7120
hello @ lookbeyondstigma.org