Kaiser Permanente Launches “Find Your Words” Campaign

to Fight Stigma Around Mental Health

Efforts also include $1.5 million in behavioral health grants for schools

According to a recent report published by Mental Health America, over 40 million Americans are dealing with a mental health concern—more than the populations of New York and Florida combined.

Even though depression and other mental health issues are common, they can be difficult to talk about. Today, Kaiser Permanente Colorado is launching a new effort to spark conversation and fight the stigma surrounding mental health.

Kaiser Permanente’s “Find Your Words” public health awareness campaign focuses on TV, radio, and online messages that talk about depression in an honest and inspiring way. Coinciding with the start of National Mental Health Month, the campaign launches today, Monday, May 1.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we believe health is achieved when mind, body, and spirit work together to improve your life,” said Roland Lyon, Kaiser Permanente Colorado president. “With this campaign, we hope to spark the conversation and let Coloradans know that receiving care for your mental health is just as important as going to the doctor for strep throat or a broken arm.”

The “Find Your Words” campaign drives viewers to FindYourWords.org, a website that provides basic information about depression, offers resources and invites the public to engage in a conversation about mental health and wellness through an interactive component. Kaiser Permanente partnered with several national organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line and Mental Health America on the “Find Your Words” campaign.

“We are expanding partnerships with local and national mental health organizations, and standing together as a strong voice against the stigma and shame that can hinder some from seeking help,” said Margaret Ferguson, MD, president and executive medical director of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group which provides care to the 680,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the state. “We want people to know that mental health treatment works and that there is hope.”