Stigma Free Collaboration Award Nomination
The Stigma Free Atlantic Collaborative is now accepting nominations for our annual awards, designed to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations in our community who have gone above and beyond in promoting stigma-free messages, activities, and events. These awards honor those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating inclusive environments, raising awareness, and fostering understanding around mental health and substance use disorders.
If you know someone who is making a meaningful difference and leading efforts to break down barriers and promote acceptance, we invite you to nominate them for this recognition.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Community Impact: The nominee has actively contributed to reducing stigma in mental health and/or substance use through education, advocacy, or direct support services.
- Innovation & Leadership: They have developed or led programs, initiatives, or campaigns that foster inclusion, awareness, and support.
- Sustained Commitment: Demonstrates long-term dedication to creating stigma-free spaces and promoting recovery-friendly environments.
- Collaboration & Advocacy: Works with individuals, organizations, or policymakers to influence positive change in perceptions and policies.
- Personal or Professional Contributions: Can be an individual with lived experience, a professional in the field, or a volunteer who has made exceptional contributions.
- Service Area: awardees must serve or provide their activities within Atlantic County during the last year April 2024 to April 2-25.
Examples of Eligible Activities:
Stigma-free activities are those that help reduce stereotypes, discrimination, and negative perceptions around mental health, disability, or other stigmatized conditions. These activities promote inclusivity, understanding, and empathy. Here are some examples:
- Organizing awareness campaigns or educational events on mental health and substance use.
- Implementing peer support groups or mentorship programs for individuals in recovery.
- Advocating for policy changes that improve access to mental health and substance use services.
- Creating inclusive workplaces, schools, or community spaces that support recovery and well-being.
- Using media, storytelling, or creative arts to challenge stigma and encourage open conversations.
- Implementing school curricula that focus on mental health literacy, disability awareness, and empathy to combat stigma.
- Hosting walks or runs focused on mental health awareness, suicide awareness or recovery.
Award categories:
1. Individual
2. School
3. Municipality
4. Business
5. Civic Organization
6. Social Service Agency
7. Faith Based
Nominations deadline: April 15, 2025