You Won't Believe How Washtenaw County's Shocking Campaign is Shattering Mental Health Stigmas – Find Out the Alarming Truth!

As mental health continues to gain prominence in public discourse, initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations are more crucial than ever. In Washtenaw County, Michigan, the Wish You Knew mental health campaign is making strides in changing the narrative around mental health, particularly among the youth.

Lisa deRamos, the Communications Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD), leads this important campaign. The initiative was born out of community-driven discussions that surfaced the need for greater awareness and resources regarding mental health. “We invited [community members] to talk openly about their mental health concerns or any issues they're experiencing in their community,” deRamos explained during a recent interview with David Fair on WEMU.

The name "Wish You Knew" encapsulates the campaign's mission: to encourage honest and supportive dialogues about mental health between adults and youth. It aims to reduce stigma and promote accessible resources for families. Although the campaign primarily targets young people, its benefits extend across all age groups, offering valuable insights and support for everyone.

To effectively reach those in need, the campaign employs various methods, including partnerships with local mental health organizations, social media outreach, and billboard advertising. DeRamos stated that since the campaign's revamp in 2024, they have successfully broadened their audience. Collaborating with a statewide marketing agency has helped amplify their message, leading to positive feedback from youth who find the campaign relatable.

Access to mental health services has been a pressing concern in Washtenaw County, particularly since the passage of the Public Safety and Mental Health Millage in 2017, which was renewed in 2024. While the WCHD primarily focuses on promoting mental health awareness rather than tracking specific outcomes, they rely on local resources, like the state's 988 suicide crisis line and the CMH access line, to monitor services and accessibility.

A 2023 community health assessment conducted by the WCHD revealed that access to healthcare, healthy food, and mental health are top priorities for residents. Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Wish You Knew campaign. The campaign actively invites local voices to share personal stories and challenges related to mental health. This personal touch is instrumental in breaking down stigma and fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles.

For marginalized communities, including BIPOC youth and those identifying as LGBTQ, challenges related to mental health can be compounded by systemic issues such as prejudice and bias. DeRamos emphasized the importance of centering health equity in all campaign activities. The initiative aims to amplify the voices of these vulnerable populations and ensure they have access to necessary resources.

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to treatment, particularly among older generations. DeRamos pointed out that while youth today are increasingly aware of the importance of mental health, older adults often cling to outdated notions of strength, viewing the admission of struggle as a weakness. She noted, “Stigma continues to be a significant barrier to treatment. When individuals are ashamed to admit when they're struggling and refuse to ask for help, mental health conditions often go unaddressed until a crisis occurs.”

Despite these challenges, deRamos remains optimistic about the future. She highlighted the role of youth-led initiatives within Washtenaw County, where middle and high school students are actively participating in promoting mental health awareness and advocacy. These peer-to-peer programs empower young people to educate and support each other, providing a crucial outlet for dialogue and understanding.

Access to quality mental health care—especially low-cost or no-cost services—continues to be a complex issue. Although the Wish You Knew campaign cannot directly address quality of care, it plays an essential role in promoting available resources, such as the 24/7 CMH access line in Washtenaw County (734-544-3050). This service helps individuals navigate their mental health needs effectively.

As the Wish You Knew campaign continues to break down barriers and foster open conversations about mental health, it serves as a reminder that seeking help is not only acceptable but necessary. With ongoing community engagement and a commitment to equity, Washtenaw County is making meaningful strides in mental health advocacy—one conversation at a time.