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The mental health journalism fellowships program was founded in 1996 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter with this goal: to give journalists the resources they need to report on mental health — one of the world’s most underreported health issues — and help dismantle through storytelling the stigma and discrimination that millions of people face every day. 

In partnership with the Center for Independent Journalism in Bucharest, the program expanded into Romania in 2007 to support Romania’s efforts to address public health and press freedom goals, which were necessary for membership in the European Union. One of the goals was to improve the treatment of mental illnesses. 

Our Work and Methods

• The program worked to increase accurate reporting on mental health issues and decrease incorrect information and negative stereotypes. 
• Twelve Romanian journalists received stipends to travel to the U.S. and study topics related to mental health with experts and other fellows. 

Impacts

• The 12 Romanian journalists who participated in the fellowship program pursued a range of topics, including how people with mental illnesses are contributing to their communities. 
• The resulting work helped erase stigmas and reduce discrimination, helping to increase opportunities.

This project is no longer active in Romania.