MenuMental Health Wellness: One in Six
Small Center partnered with the Pyramid Wellness Institute to create and distribute a graphic campaign that raised awareness around mental health wellness throughout New Orleans.
Project Dates
January 2013–May 2013
Context
Following the Fall 2012 Design/Build project with the Pyramid Resources Wellness Institute, Small Center realized that Pyramid and the community they served had much larger issues than just needing an outdoor multi-purpose space. While the nonprofit was facing steep budget cuts, New Orleans as a whole was experiencing cuts to mental health services. A few of the students from the Design/Build studio became interested in using graphic design to raise awareness of the drop-off in services and funding.
Small Center Engagement
After several rounds and drafts with Pyramid staff and a chat with designers Candy Chang and Christine Gaspar, the Small Center team decided to center the campaign around an inclusive message that would let people know they are not alone if they or their family face mental health issues. In addition to this affirming message, the team wanted to include a reference card that directed people to mental health services in the city.
Partner Organization
Pyramid Resources Wellness Institute (PRWI) provides treatment services for persons in the greater New Orleans area who are homeless, have mental illness diagnosis, or have co-occurring substance use and mental illness. PRWI provides housing assistance and intensive individualized support services under the direction of a treatment team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical staff, nurses, support professionals, case managers, and others as needed.
Outcome
The students visited City Park to consensually photograph average folks. Students also conducted research and found that 1 in 6 people in New Orleans suffer from some form of mental health issue. This information was packaged into a poster, postcard, refrigerator magnet, and stickers that the student team then distributed throughout corner stores in the city.
Collaborators
Pyramid Resources Wellness Institute
Team Members
Project Lead
- Emilie Taylor Welty
Students
- Jose Cotto
- Emily Green
- Baha Javadi
- Alison Rodberg
Special Thanks
- Candy Chang
- Christine Gaspar
