Rogers Behavioral Health supports the Wise Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE), now a national coalition of organizations and individuals building resilient and hopeful communities by promoting inclusion and support for all who are affected by mental health and addiction challenges.
 
In collaboration with Rogers, WISE advances evidence-based practices for stigma reduction. People with mental health challenges sharing their recovery experiences in a credible way is the best-known way to reduce stigma. The coalition promotes the power of strategic contact with those in recovery to end stigma in schools, healthcare, congregations, and workplaces.
 
WISE committees that include community members plan speakers for quarterly virtual meetings that are free and open to all. The gatherings explore topics in the mental health field. This year’s meetings focus on Addressing Stigma at the intersection of substance use disorders and mental health. Experts in the field present and allow time for discussion and Q&A.
 
In Wisconsin, the Rogers team also represents WISE at a collaboration of 30+ organizations known as the Mental Health Civic Action Team. That team looks at ways non-profits can pool resources and assist one another in reaching out to the greater Milwaukee community to assist with mental health and substance use services.
 
The eliminatestigma.org website is a wealth of information for families, individuals, professionals around stigma and mental health challenges and is updated regularly with patient stories, blogs, and other relevant content.