Summer Stigma Slam '17
Event Information
Description
Mission:
The mission of Summer Stigma Slam ’17 is to inform and empower participants in reducing stigma of all types and to join individuals, families, and communities in a celebration of substance abuse and mental health awareness, recovery and hope.
What:
A statewide festival of music, art, information, and resources designed to address the substance abuse crisis in Connecticut and unite all who have been affected by substance abuse, mental health disorders, and other stigma-laden issues. The purpose of this event is to raise the collective consciousness of our communities, reduce stigma, and support one another with courage, strength, and conviction.
Why:
Our loved ones are dying at an exponential rate. Connecticut experienced 357 drug-related deaths in 2012. That number has risen to over 917 in 2016. Fear, shame, guilt and misinformation add to the problem, shrouding the epidemic in an often-paralyzing stigma that undermines one’s ability to reach out for help. Lack of knowledge regarding available treatment and support resources compounds the crisis. This event will be one important step in boldly addressing that which keeps individuals, families and communities from obtaining the help they desperately need. For those who have lost a loved one, this event is a quest to help others understand the significance of the crisis and promote healing for all.
How:
A steering committee chaired by the State of CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services will coordinate planning. Each faction of the state will participate by promoting the event as a means of addressing the current substance abuse crisis in a positive and proactive manner. Prevention councils, mental health treatment providers, medical professionals, recovery communities, survivors, and all those who wish to celebrate wellness and healing will take part in this collective effort.
Speakers, musicians, artists, resource providers, and related vendors will be invited to provide education, entertainment, recovery & support resources, and refreshments in a day-long event.
