Published
Oct 11, 2019
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Kenneth Cole forms The Mental Health Coalition

Published
Oct 11, 2019

Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is tackling the crisis of mental health with the formation of The Mental Health Coalition. 


Instagram @kennethcolereal


Launched on October 10, to coincide with World Mental Health Day, the initiative brings together several nonprofits, firms, brands, celebrities and influencers in an effort to destigmatize mental health conditions. 

At first launch, the coalition will work to change the way language is used describe mental health. In order to achieve this goal, it will introduce a new non-stigmatized vocabulary meant “to create a cultural shift that allows people to feel empowered and better able to navigate their world while embracing their mental health conditions,” the organization said in a press release.

In order to further boost its impact, the coalition will launch a public online platform and digital resource hub where “those seeking help or guidance can easily navigate the mental health space, ultimately marrying critical resources to extraordinary needs.”

The platform is scheduled to launch in May of 2020, Mental Health Awareness Month.

Cole, an active social activist outside of his career in fashion, comes to the coalition with prior experience as a longtime board member and former chairman of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and current Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS. 

"I'm overwhelmed by the inspiring group of individuals and organizations who have agreed to join us in this critical effort to tackle an unprecedented crisis in an unprecedented way," the designer said. "There is a role for everyone to play. We look forward to welcoming all like-minded organizations to join this collaborative effort at mentalhealthcoalition.org."

In addition to Cole, fellow founding partners of the coalition include The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Bring Change to Mind, Child Mind Institute, Crisis Text Line, JED Foundation, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)and The Trevor Project.

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