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JJ arts program to fight mental illness stigma

NJBIZ - 7/5/2018

Janssen Pharmaceutical Cos., the life sciences arm of Johnson & Johnson, is partnering with Mental Health America, OneMind, PeaceLove and other arts organizations to help fight stigma surrounding mental illness.Janssen Pharmaceutical Cos., the life sciences arm of Johnson & Johnson, is partnering with Mental Health America, OneMind, PeaceLove and other arts organizations to help fight stigma surrounding mental illness.

Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma encourages individuals to share artistic expressions about mental illnesses while educating and raising awareness of them. Residents can submit artwork to the partnership’s online gallery at www.artofendingstigma.com. People can also submit artwork at #ArtofEndingStigma.

The project’s goals are underscored by a national survey of U.S. adults 18 years or older, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Janssen and Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

Almost 92 percent of those surveyed believe there is stigma in our society against those with mental illnesses. Of the 92 percent, 81 percent blame that on a lack of understanding of mental disease, and roughly half of those blame the stigma of how mental illnesses are portrayed in popular culture.

Among those surveyed who know someone with a mental illness, 62 percent say that person is or has been afraid to seek treatment.

Janssen is donating $5,000 to each nonprofit organization participating in the program.

“Globally, one person out of four will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point in his or her life, and, quite tragically, 90 percent of all who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness,” said Dr. Adam Savitz, senior director of clinical research, Neuroscience at Janssen. “The stigma and misinformation prevent many from getting appropriate treatment and support in developed and under-developed countries alike.” Copyright 2018 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.

CREDIT: Vince Calio