MedStar Health Partners with Baltimore Organizations and Stoop Storytelling Free Out of Stigma’s Shadow Event Opens Public Discussion on Mental Health

BALTIMORE — Nine Baltimore organizations, seven candid people, and four expert panelists with one common goal will bring mental health issues Out of Stigma’s Shadow, in a public forum as part of the Stoop Storytelling series, May 21st at 7 p.m., at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.

In partnership with MedStar Health, the Baltimore Jewish Council, Baltimore Magazine, Behavioral Health Systems of Baltimore, Catholic Charities, Jewish Community Services, Maryland Faith Health Network, and National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Metro Baltimore, and Stoop Storytelling, the free event will feature seven individuals sharing their personal stories of struggle and challenges from living with mental health conditions, followed by a panel of four high profile mental health experts, who will provide insight, counsel, and mental health tips. The panel will be moderated by WYPR radio On the Record host, Sheilah Kast. Baltimore City Health Commissioner, Letitia Dzirasa, M.D., will deliver opening remarks.

“Speaking openly about the issues is the first step to overcoming the stigma associated with mental health disease,” said Renz Juaneza, M.D., a psychiatrist with MedStar Health. “Until then, a burden of shame, blame and injustices will continue to be obstacles in getting appropriate resources and help.”

“Many in our communities suffer daily with issues of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and other mental health disorders,” said Joan Grayson Cohen, Esq., LCSW-C, executive director for Jewish Community Services. “Out of Stigma’s Shadow is a unique opportunity to educate, raise awareness and reduce the barriers to seeking treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders. Jewish Community Services is pleased and proud to partner with so many diverse experts.”

Panelists:

• Renz Juaneza, M.D. Psychiatry, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
• Stacey Meadows, LCSW-C, Manager, Child & Family Therapy, Jewish Community Services
• Kay Jamison, M.A., Ph.D. Co-Director, Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine; author, “An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness”
• Bishop Kevin Daniels, Ph.D, DMin, LGSW, St. Martin’s Church

For more information and to reserve your seat, visit https://bit.do/OOSS or call 410-843-7547.

About MedStar Health MedStar Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to caring for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. MedStar’s 30,000 associates, 6,000 affiliated physicians, 10 hospitals, ambulatory care and urgent care centers, and the MedStar Health Research Institute are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar trains more than 1,100 medical residents annually. MedStar Health’s patient-first philosophy combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visit MedStarHealth.org.