On Monday, May 20th, 2013 PBS SoCaL welcomed community members for an advanced screening of "A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness." The attendees of this in studio event, got a first glimpse at the new documentary narrated by award-winning actress Glenn Close and produced by KVIE, Sacramento’s PBS station. On May 30th Californians will come together to watch the documentary when it airs on all PBS stations across the state.

"A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness" is part of a comprehensive statewide effort to increase the number of people who seek early help for mental challenges by reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. It does this by sharing the stories of individuals who have suffered and recovered, and the organizations that serve them in communities throughout California.

After the documentary screening, two speakers Monica Potts and Melissa Nemeth shared their stories about how the stigma associated with mental illness affected their lives. The audience members engaged in a question and answer sessions and then enjoyed coffee from Millie's Coffee and desserts.

Above, featured in the documntary Monica Potts from LAMP Community.  The mission of Lamp Community is to end homelessness of Los Angeles' most vulnerable individuals, primarily adults with mental illness, through a continuum of services and housing, enabling them to reach their highest level of self-sufficiency and community integration.

Above,  Melissa Nemeth from National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Orange County. The mission of NAMI Orange County is to provide emotional support, education and resources for families, and those affected by mental illness. In collaboration with the entire community, we advocate for a life of quality and dignity, one without discrimination, for all those persons affected by this illness.

Please tune into PBS SoCaL on May 30th at 10PM for the premiere of "A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness."

To learn more about "A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness" please visit the official website.  Also, check out more photos from this event here. Local funding to PBS SoCaL for this outreach initiative has been made possible by Each Mind Matters: California's Mental Health Movement, CalMHSA and Mental Health Service Act.