In PRNews’ most recent Impact Communications Awards, the Office of Communications earned a top five distinction in the Mental Health Campaign category for its work with Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM).

“We needed to show – not tell – people the need for the services and how they could improve their lives,” says Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore. “That meant taking a more in-depth and deeper emotional approach to the storytelling, one that put a human face and human voice to what was being offered.”

To do so, the Office of Communications sought out stories from different angles and in different mediums – from the voices of the providers and clients to the images of the events to the video testimonials to the media coverage – that could take the community beyond the basic information. It also helped identify community events MMHM could partners with so it could meet people where they were.

“Being able to promote the incredible work of Macon Mental Health Matters is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do,” says Multimedia Manager Olivia Walter. “Their commitment to healing, resilience, and community makes a lasting impact, and I am proud to help amplify their message.”

“Our MMHM team has made a tremendous difference for so many in our community and they keep doing so every day,” says Communications Manager Edna Adams. “It’s an honor to share their story and bring attention to the services they provide in our community.”

“With this amazing team managing and directing our communication efforts, my team and I could focus our time and energy on meeting people where they are and providing better, more individualized service,” says Andrea Cooke with Macon Mental Health Matters. “They did more than just send releases and create social media posts. They tried to understand the services being provided, went inside events by actively participating, and, most importantly, south to understand the people we were trying to help.”

“One of the top priorities for our community has been providing more mental health services, and to make them barrier-free and more easily accessible to all people. Our team immediately saw a need in making sure people were aware they had access to these services,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Hardly a week goes by that we don’t have some form of story about Macon Mental Health Matters…and the results speak for themselves.”

Since its inception three years ago, Macon Mental Health Matters has provided services to approximately 6,000 people through a variety of settings, with more than 1,200 of those receiving one-on-one therapy and counseling. Of the 1,200 receiving the one-on-one services, 71% were Black/African American, 24% were White, and 5% were Hispanic or Other. MMHM has been able to invest in our community 4,117 hours in counseling and psycho-education, with 3,170 hours dedicated to direct therapy and 947 hours to group therapy sessions.

“They are truly making an impact on the people of Macon-Bibb County because of their knowledge and expertise of communication and storytelling, and because of their love of our community,” adds Cooke.