It’s one of my favorite lines from the musical “Rent,” which explores the lives of men and women living with HIV/AIDS, homelessness, drug abuse and a society not terribly concerned for their welfare.
Tonight candles will be lit in downtown Phoenix for men and women facing challenges wrought by mental illness and a society that continues to stigmatize those it doesn’t understand.
You can show your support by attending the Mental Health Awareness Coalition’s “Candlelight Vigil” taking place at 6pm at Civic Space Park, located at 424 N. Central Ave. in downtown Phoenix.
Two candles shine brighter than one. Photo by Christopher Trimble.
“We light the candle of truth,” says Carole J. Willis, “to dispel ignorance and misinformation.” Willis is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which has several Arizona chapters offering programs for individuals and families living with mental illness.
The event is hosted by the Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy at ASU. Other presenters include Visions of Hope, MIKID and Magellan Health Services.
All are gathering to champion recovery, hope and renewal — and community members are welcome to join in recognizing and honoring people who live with mental illness, and in reducing the stigma associated with brain disorders.
Validated parking will be available at the ASU University Center garage (I’m told the entrance is on Polk just east of Central Ave.). There’s plenty going on in downtown Phoenix tonight, so consider staying after to take in a bit of arts and culture.
— Lynn
Note: Click here to learn morea about ASU’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy
Coming up: Once upon a haunting, Bring on the barber chair
Stage Mom Musings 