October 2025

Expert panel stresses need for ‘Breaking the Mental Health Stigma’

Cascadia Health kept up the momentum of its Let’s Talk About It! series with another successful event, held Oct. 10, 2025, at Garlington Health Center.

The second event in this three-part mini-series, “Breaking the Mental Health Stigma” explored how Cascadia has been evolving its care to meet people where they are and provide wrap around support.

Oct. 10 also marked World Mental Health Day. This is a day to globally and collectively acknowledge mental health in its many capacities; where we discuss, raise awareness, and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The moderator and panelists at the Oct. 10 event highlighted the ways mental health interconnects with all aspects of a person’s life, and considered ways we can better align our services with the lived realities of our clients.

Moderator:

• Dr. April Sweeney, MD – Chief of Clinical Services

Panelists:

• Molly Griggs – Sr. Director of Peer-Delivered Services
• Dr. Andrea Matsumura, MD – Primary Care Program Medical Director, Lead Medical Director
• Liz Middleton –   Director, Clinical Programs
• Jennifer Wilcox – Director, Clinical Programs

Cascadia Health CEO & President James Schroeder kicked off the evening’s conversation with background info about Cascadia and insight around current issues facing the behavioral health system.

“I’m proud of the care Cascadia provides and the work we do that seeks to end this stigma, including conversations like these that feature a range of perspectives from experts in the field and who represent a portion of the services we provide at Cascadia,” James said.

April, as moderator, led the panel discussion and discussed the ways Cascadia has risen to the challenge of providing person-centered care.

“Throughout my time at Cascadia (and well before), our understanding and approach to mental health has evolved,” April said.  

“What was once strictly ‘community behavioral health” services (like individual and group therapy, family counseling, case management, and housing), has progressed into whole health care—supporting a person’s mind, body, and social wellbeing through services that are connected and responsive to their needs.”

April explained that these services allow us to care for the whole person.

“We tell a bigger story. We are saying that the whole you matters.

“Your mind is just as important as your heart. You’re deserving of dignity and respect no matter where you call home or where you are on your journey in life,” April said.

After the main discussion, the five speakers engaged in thoughtful Q&A with audience members, closing the night with a productive dialogue about how community members can uplift mental health and eliminate stigma.