Time is Running Out for New York Taxpayers to Donate to the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund

New City, NY – (4/5/15) – With the deadline to file New York State income taxes quickly approaching, Senator David Carlucci (D–Rockland/Westchester) announced today that there is still time for New Yorkers that have yet to file their state income taxes to make a tax-deductible donation designed to end the stigma of mental illness.

The tax check-off box, seen on income tax forms as The Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund, was signed into law on November 21st, 2015 and was sponsored by Senator Carlucci. Prior to its enactment, the bill to create the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund had been pursued by mental health advocates for years, but now New Yorkers have an easy way to support essential mental health educational programs and services. This law is the first of its kind in the nation as it relates to providing funding to support anti-stigma education. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognized Senator Carlucci's law in their 2015 review of mental health legislation from across the country, designating it as New York State's only mental health law to earn a Gold Star for being innovative and exceptional for that year. 

With an estimated one out of five individuals living with a mental illness and nearly two-thirds of those diagnosed with a mental illness not seeking treatment, it is crucial that stigmas which prevent people from seeking treatment are eliminated. All donations collected from taxpayers will be administered through the New York State Office of Mental Health, organizations or non-profits will then be able apply for grant funding that will benefit programs and public service announcements related to ending the stigma of mental illness.

"As New Yorkers hurry to fill out their taxes before the April 18th deadline, it's important that they realize how they can help contribute to ending the stigma of mental illness by making a tax-deductible donation through the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund tax check-off box. The stigma of mental illness prevents those suffering in silence from getting the treatment that they need, but now we can utilize a permanent funding source for programs, services and public service announcements that break down these hurtful stigmas. I am proud to work with dedicated advocates who helped get this law passed, but now New York's taxpayers must join us in our fight," said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester).

“Everyone is either directly or indirectly impacted by mental illness. The stigma and discrimination of the illness plays a significant role in people not receiving the help they may desperately need. This landmark legislation provides a great opportunity to break down the walls of stigma and discrimination of mental illness by donating to an anti-stigma fund,” saidGlenn Liebman, CEO, Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.

"NAMI-NYS is grateful for the creation of the tax check-off option to fund the Mental Health Awareness campaign. NAMI-NYS is dedicated to eliminating all barriers keeping people from treatment and all too often it is the stigma of mental illness that keeps people from seeking the help they need. Generating increased awareness is the key to combating stigma. This initiative will go a long way in creating a more mentally healthy New York State and we encourage people to use the check-off option,"said Wendy Burch, Executive Director of NAMI-NYS.