The STARR Coalition

The STARR Coalition was formed to create meaningful change by increasing COMMUNICATION, PARTNERSHIPS, and GOODWILL among stakeholders in the areas of mental health clinical research, advocacy, and treatment with emphasis on community and advocacy engagement, stigma reduction, and ensuring that research is widely recognized as a trusted care option. Medical research for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, ALS and many other illnesses is embraced by patients, advocacy and society. The same can’t be said about mental health research. Our stakeholders have identified one predominant challenge; stigma. Stigma associated with mental illness and stigma associated with mental health clinical research. One way to overcome this obstacle is with education and communication. The STARR Coalition is a forum for the leaders in mental health clinical research, advocacy, and treatment to work together to build a better system of care. We are working to reduce stigma around mental health research and to build trust in research as a viable option in the healthcare ecosystem.