The Foundation convened funders for a conversation with GREY Advertising about a social-impact initiative to reframe serious mental illness and elevate perceptions around psychiatry. This effort moves beyond traditional de-stigmatization campaigns by addressing deep-seated heuristics and cultural behaviors around mental illness and psychiatry to create empathy. This is a pivotal first step in people viewing serious mental illness as a treatable chronic condition — similar to breast cancer and AIDS.
The 2nd Sozosei Summit to Decriminalize Mental Illness was held from December 13-15, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA. A global event, the Summit brings together thought leaders, people with lived experience, medical professionals, lawyers, judges, advocates, artists, and funders — all working to build a world where mental illness is not a crime.
The Sozosei Foundation hosted a virtual book club featuring authors and renowned psychologist, Dr. Joel Dvoskin and renowned psychiatrist, Dr. James Knoll in conversation with Sozosei Board Member Mary Chi Michael, about their chapter, “A Brief History of the Criminalization of Mental Illness” from the recently released book, “Decriminalizing Mental Illness,” published by Cambridge University Press.