Press Release: 5/20/2025

Governor Healey Unveils Deconstructing Stigma Exhibition for Mental Health Awareness Month with MGB and McLean Hospital

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5/19/2025

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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary

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Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025

BOSTON — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Governor Maura Healey partnered with Mass General Brigham (MGB) and McLean Hospital to unveil an exhibition titled Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health. This exhibition consists of pop-up banners that challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma and promote open conversations about mental health. They display the lived experience of those who have navigated mental health challenges and have been on display previously in Boston Logan Airport, transit stations, universities and health care institutions. This exhibition is on display in the Governor’s reception area until May 30, 2025. 

“It is so important that we break down stigma and make sure everyone knows that if you’re struggling with your mental health, help is available,” said Governor Healey. “Everyone should be able to seek care without fear of being judged or misunderstood. I am thankful to MGB and McLean Hospital for working with us to bring this exhibition to the thousands of visitors to my office, and I hope that those who see it know that they are never alone.”

“Mental wellness touches every family across our state, and it’s important that we work to deconstruct the misguided and dangerous stigmas that prevent too many residents from asking for help,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I thank the courageous constituents who shared their stories on these banners and are helping us build a state where everyone feels comfortable asking for help.”

“In order to care for the whole person, we need to include mental health,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “My hope is that this exhibit enables people to see themselves in these portraits and feel more comfortable having open conversations about their personal experiences and seek any help they need.”

This exhibition aims to change attitudes on mental health, by displaying larger than life photographs of people who have been affected by mental illness. The first story on display in the Governor’s reception features Dorothy, a registered nurse, who has experienced depression and loneliness—highlighting that hardships are not only an obstacle but an opportunity to learn. The second story on display features marketing representative David who experienced his first manic-depressive episode when he was twenty-three years old and hopes to teach viewers to never give up and keep trying. The final story on display features Lena who struggled with her mental health when she was a first-year medical resident and highlights that the struggle pushed her to understand the full spectrum of life.

"We are deeply honored that Deconstructing Stigma will be on display at the Massachusetts State House this month. I want to thank Governor Healey and the Commonwealth for their steadfast commitment to mental health—a commitment that reflects courage, compassion, and leadership,” said President and Psychiatrist in Chief of McLean Hospital and Chair of Behavioral and Mental Health Mass General Brigham Scott Rauch. “Mass General Brigham joins the Commonwealth in working to ensure citizens of Massachusetts have access to outstanding psychiatric clinical services, research, and training in order to achieve better outcomes. Having this exhibit in such a prominent and public space sends a powerful message: mental health affects us all, and no one should ever feel alone in their experience. Our hope is that every person who walks by these stories will feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn more, speak openly, and be part of the change.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized expanding access to mental health services across the state. They’ve invested nearly $400 million in 31 Community Behavioral Health Centers since 2023 to help provide mental health and substance use services and treatment. They also have overseen the Behavioral Health Help Line that has handled over 75,000 calls since its launch in 2023. Additionally, this year, the Healey-Driscoll administration invested over $5.5 million to expand behavioral and mental health services to help students in 60 school districts.

“Mental health care is health care. Despite expanded awareness of mental health as a component in overall health, stigma continues to be a significant barrier to people seeking treatment,’’ said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle. “There is tremendous value in people from all communities sharing their lived experience and their hope for the future.”