Cenpatico Joins the Stamp Out Stigma Campaign to Reach 1 Million People in 2014

Campaign Aims to Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness and Addictions

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Apr 02, 2014, 07:00 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cenpatico announced today its participation in the national Stamp Out Stigma initiative, aimed at reaching more than 1,000,000 people in 2014. The goal of the campaign is to change perceptions and reduce the stigma of mental illness and addictions.

The Stamp Out Stigma campaign engages the public through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Pinterest, to:

Recognize the high prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders
Reeducate ourselves, friends and family on the truths of mental illness and addiction; and
Reduce the stigma of mental illness and addiction and, thus, transform lives.

People are encouraged to take the Stamp Out Stigma pledge and engage in the conversation to heighten awareness of stigma and promote recovery. Individuals can access the pledge and other resources for overcoming stigma on Cenpatico.com.

"Although mental illness and addiction are some of the most common health conditions, they are also some of the hardest to come to terms with or talk about. We want to change that." said Sam Donaldson, President and CEO of Cenpatico. "Our goal is to promote conversation, awareness and understanding of mental illness and addiction as a means of overcoming stereotyping and stigma. Cenpatico is proud to participate in the Stamp Out Stigma campaign."

Cenpatico is participating in this initiative through its membership in the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). "Mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses are more prevalent than heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, migraines, osteoporosis and asthma, yet misconception and misinformation have left many people with mental illness and substance use disorders afraid to talk about their experiences or to seek help," said Pamela Greenberg, President and CEO of ABHW. "This campaign is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the behavioral health industry to make a lasting contribution to the growing movement to reduce the stigma of mental illness and addiction."

About Cenpatico:
Cenpatico's expertise lies in managing benefits for vulnerable populations. Our healthcare specialties include behavioral health, foster care, school-based services, specialty therapy and rehabilitation, community reentry and more. We have managed Medicaid and other public sector benefits since 1994; currently, we serve more than 2.5 million members nationally. Our headquarters are in Austin, Texas and we have local teams across the country in the markets we serve. We are committed to innovative solutions and designing programs tailored to improving functional outcomes with our members. Find us online: www.cenpatico.com

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