A large crowd of mental health professionals, concerned community leaders and college students gathered on Monday, Oct. 5 to honor those speaking out about mental health issues and the change that needs to take place in society regarding those diagnosed with mental illness.

“We need to avoid negative words when referring to people with mental illness,” said Dr. Tracey Skale, chief medical officer for the Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. “We have a tendency to label people from their diagnosis and they are so much more than a mental disorder. We need to treat people diagnosed with mental illness with respect just as you would any other disorder.”