Social Awareness for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Stop the Judgment.
Start the Conversation.
Because no young person should be too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.
You Can Help
What We Do
We’re working to dispel the stigma of substance use and mental health disorders.
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders often go hand in hand.
Some young adults self-medicate using substances to cope with emotional or mental health issues. Many who become addicted are too scared or embarrassed to ask for help.
The stigma of being judged traps them in a cycle of shame and substance use that often ends in depression, overdose — and worse.
How We Do It
By creating more societal compassion for young people with substance use and mental health disorders.
- Educating the public on the dangers of substance use – particularly opioids and fentanyl – which have caused skyrocketing numbers of overdoses and poisonings in our area and across the country.
- Creating awareness of the complexity of substance use when combined with mental health disorders, and how these two diseases often are linked.
- Supporting families who are on this lonely journey with a young loved one or have lost a child to substance use.
- Helping to fund projects that make measurable positive changes in the community’s ability to recognize and respond to overdose.
We hope to prevent other parents and families from having to experience the pain that is in our hearts every time we open our eyes.
Sherry Jo Matt
Founder, Stop The Judgment Project
Founder, Stop The Judgment Project
Stop the Judgment Project in the Media
Follow Us on Our Journey as We Fight to End the Stigma
Bill Kress sits down with Sherry Jo Matt, Co-Founder of “Stop the Judgment
Join this moving dialogue, featuring Sherry Jo Matt and host Bill Kress, as they highlight ...
Local Family Starts Nonprofit After Losing Daughter to Mental Health Issues, Substance Use Disorder
Mental health problems and substance abuse disorder often occur together. Health experts say both can ...
Franklin Park Couple Help Opioid Awareness Bill Become Law
A Franklin Park couple who lost a daughter in 2020 to fentanyl poisoning are working ...
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Looking for a unique way to support our organization and mission? Help spread some awareness by purchasing branded apparel and items with our vibrant and colorful logo. All proceeds go directly to our cause.
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We Need Your Help
Please consider making a donation to Stop the Judgment Project. Your contributions will help us on our mission of ending the stigma of mental health disorders and substance use disorders in young adults
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