Date

12-2025

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Caitlin Stinneford

Second Advisor

Colleen Beye

Abstract

Employees in Monterey County face persistent challenges related to poor mental health, driven by high costs of living, limited access to providers, workplace stress, and stigma surrounding help-seeking behaviors. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Monterey County, a grassroots organization committed to education and advocacy, primarily serves caregivers and families of individuals with mental illness but is expanding efforts to address systemic workplace mental health barriers. This capstone project involved designing and piloting workplace-focused interventions, including presentations for a Public Works Department, a customizable training binder, and pre/post-assessment tools. The initiative sought to reduce stigma, increase awareness of resources, and strengthen organizational culture around wellness. Results highlighted strong interest from employers in building stigma-free workplaces and reinforced the need for proactive integration of mental health supports into workplace practices. While full outcomes will depend on long-term adoption, the project established tools and strategies that enhance NAMI’s capacity to expand partnerships with local businesses, strengthen donor relationships, and sustain free programming for the community. As a result, a trial of the Stigma Free Initiative took place to collect feedback to determine the impact on the value for the working community in Monterey County.

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