PORTLAND, Ore. –– In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, ASHA International will bring together 10 local community members to share their mental health stories at its first “Grit & Grace” storytelling event.

The inaugural event will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Intel Hawthorne Farm Auditorium, 5200 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro. Admission is free, with online donations welcome. To reserve a seat, email gayathri@myasha.org by May 10, 2018.

“Personal stories have the power to inform, inspire and transform our lives. Stories connect and comfort us in our shared struggles, help us know that we are not alone, and give us hope to cope, survive and thrive, “ said ASHA International’s Founder & President Gayathri Ramprasad. Portland-based ASHA International is dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness and promoting mental health and wellness through personal stories.

Sharing their journeys of courage, hope and resilience will be: high school student Yamini Rajan, psychiatric technician Bekah Miles; writer Dave Mowry; actor Jennifer Yashamiro; nurse Grace Peverly; art gallery owner Jennifer Pepin; peer wellness expert Meghan Caughey; author Kelly Wilson; physician Molly McNab; CEO Derald Walker; and Gayathri Ramprasad.

“Our storytellers each have a different experience with mental illness and a unique journey to relate,” said Ramprasad. “Their stories tell of laughter and frustration, triumphs and stumbles, points of pain and forgiveness, and above all, connect with us through honest humanity.”

Ramprasad’s successful battle in overcoming debilitating depression taught her the power of hope and holistic wellness. Now through her work with ASHA International, she shares that message and encourages others to use the power of their stories to save lives and create social change.

About ASHA International

ASHA literally means “HOPE” both in Sanskrit, one of the world’s most ancient languages, which originated in India, and in Hindi, India’s national language. In English AHSA is an acronym for A Source of Hope for All touched by mental illness. ASHA International’s vision is to create communities of acceptance, empathy and inclusion where every man, woman and child living with a mental health condition finds the love and support they need to realize their fullest potential. ASHA international is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Portland Oregon. Visit www.myasha.org