KINGSTON, R.I., Sept. 17, 2018 — The University of Rhode Island is the first college in the state to become a community partner in an international public health campaign that aims to bring conversations about mental health out into the open through the use of a common language.

URI has pledged its support to the statewide implementation of the Campaign to Change Direction, which is being led locally by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

Donald H. DeHayes, URI provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, serves on the steering committee for the statewide campaign. “URI is committed to removing the societal stigma and barriers that keep people from seeking and receiving the help they need to care for their mental and emotional well-being,” DeHayes said. “We are proud to be the first university in the state to support the mission of the Campaign to Change Direction and look forward to making lasting contributions that improve the lives of those within the URI community and across the state.”

The Campaign to Change Direction aims to shift the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. The initiative focuses on encouraging all to care for their mental well-being as they do for their physical well-being. The campaign addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about the signs of emotional suffering, encouraging care for self and others who may be struggling. More than 600 organizations across the nation have signed on as community partners.

The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services to those in need, including veterans and members of the military. Organizations and individuals can learn more at www.changedirection.org.