Mission Statement
CHADS Coalition for Mental Health is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide through community outreach, school support, and professional, licensed counseling services.
At CHADS, we know that a high percentage of mental illnesses are completely treatable, manageable, and even preventable. With this knowledge in hand, we see the the loss of young lives to suicide as senseless and use evidence-based programs and professional strategies in order to break the stigma and get help to those who need it.
Description
In April of 2004, Chad McCord, a high-school senior with a bright future, lost his battle to depression and died by suicide. Like so many parents before them, Marian and Larry McCord had fought alongside Chad trying to help him conquer his disease, but found that Chad had suffered for too long in silence: Chad had been having thoughts of suicide since the third grade. Before Chad's death, he said that he wanted to get better and speak out about the importance of mental illness so kids wouldn't suffer in silence like he did. Unfortunately he never got the chance. So, in 2005, CHADS Coalition was formed to be his voice.
Ten years later and CHADS has had a significant impact on the St. Louis community. In just the last year, CHADS presented to over 24,000 students, implemented bullying prevention programs in 37 elementary schools, and provided counseling services to 151 families. On top of it all, every one of our programs is provided AT NO COST to the schools, organizations, families, and individuals who receive them.
We are on the brink of some major breakthroughs regarding mental health. Join CHADS Coalition and be a part of the answer!
