(McLean, VA, August 28, 2015) – The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) was a proud participant and supporting partner of the first annual March for Dignity and Change in Mental Health, held on Monday, August 24^th in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Dignity Mental Health Coalition, the event united people with lived experience, their supporters, providers, family and friends, in an effort to raise public awareness on the need for change and the rights of the millions of Americans impacted by mental and behavioral health conditions.

"Destination Dignity was such a remarkable event. We were proud to be among the several hundred supporters marching to the beat of 'What do we want: Dignity; When do we want it; Now!' These goals are spoken for children, youth, adults, and family members alike. The atmosphere was just electric.” said Veronica Carey, PhD, MHS, CPRP, Chair, PRA Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery. “

In addition to marching the National Mall, participants listened to speakers address the fact that the status quo is no longer acceptable, that recovery is possible and the time for change is now. These PRA supporters and impassioned speakers included Daniel Fisher, MD, PhD, member of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health; Harvey Rosenthal, Executive Director of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, an affiliate chapter of PRA; John Draper, PhD, Project Director at The Mental Health 

Association of New York City; Brian Hepburn, Executive Director, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors; Matthew Federici, CPRP from the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery; Debbie Plotnick, Vice President for Mental Health and Systems Advocacy with Mental Health America; and many more.   

As a counterpoint to the persistent social stigma surrounding these conditions, and in an effort to position mental health as a basic right, PRA staff, and many members, walked shoulder-to-shoulder at this event. “I sometimes feel as if the civil rights movement has been a dream deferred, “said Iden Campbell McCollum, CPRP, Executive Director of The Campbell Center and long-time PRA supporter, “We have come far but still have a long road ahead. As in 1963, the need for economic access still exists, especially for those with mental health conditions. Lived experience matters in the conversation around revamping the mental health system. Having organizations like PRA march gives us affirmation that we can work together to develop a system that offers dignity, hope and respect. PRA understands what we have been saying ourselves for decades 'people can and do regain their lives.'”