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10-year report to the community

10 years of starting conversations and stopping stigma.
Learn how Make It OK has made an impact with these highlights from our 10-year community report.

Make It OK IMPACT survey findings

HealthPartners is committed to measuring the impact of Make It OK in our communities over time through the IMPACT survey — a partnership with the HealthPartners Institute.

This survey measures attitudes and awareness about mental health stigma in the communities where Make It OK is active.

By the numbers

  • 25,000+ people reached by Make It OK ambassadors.
  • 5,000+ ambassadors trained.
  • 10,000+ people reached through Make It OK presentations.
  • 20,325 pledges taken to stand against stigma.
  • 250,000,000+ viewings of Make It OK ads.
  • 2,000+ tool kit downloads (since 2019) nationwide.
  • 421,459 visits to Make It OK website.
  • 6,517 IMPACT survey respondents (2017-2021).

How comfortable people are with talking about mental illnesses

  • In 2021, 1 in 4 respondents said they were still uncomfortable when talking with someone about mental illnesses.
  • Nearly 1 in 3 respondents told us they wouldn’t tell their friends that they live with a mental illness.
  • Comfort level of talking with someone about their mental illness has decreased since 2019.

How people feel about ending the stigma of mental illnesses

  • Most respondents (75%+) are willing to take action against mental illness stigma, and many have already taken action.
  • 93% of people think the goal of Make It OK is important.

How COVID-19 has impacted mental illness stigma

According to the results of the 2021 IMPACT survey:

  • Awareness of mental health issues had increased because of more media coverage and personal conversations.
  • An increase in mental illness symptoms occurred, as did an interruption in care.

How mental health and illness barriers differ for communities of color

  • In the Make It OK IMPACT survey respondents who are people of color were 49% more reluctant to seek care for their mental health.
  • Mental illnesses disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and people of color. As Make It OK works to reduce stigma, it’s important to recognize that some people in our communities face additional barriers to mental health care. A history of trauma in health care and systems has resulted in mistrust for many in communities of color. Additional barriers that can affect getting care include economic factors, access to care and finding providers who understand their unique cultural beliefs, values, practices and language. By raising awareness, promoting cultural understanding, talking openly and improving equitable access to mental health and stigma information and resources, we can work toward ending stigma and supporting mental health and well-being for people of color and all communities.
Pahoua Yang Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Community and Government Relations, HealthPartners

“Make It OK continues to make a meaningful and measurable impact by stopping the stigma of mental illnesses throughout our communities, yet the work isn’t done. Stigma creates barriers to conversations, support, trust and seeking care, especially for those most vulnerable. HealthPartners continues to support this important and collaborative work alongside many partners to champion our community commitment to mental health and well-being for all.”

— Pahoua Yang Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Community and Government Relations, HealthPartners

Peter VanDusartz

“While working to increase awareness of behavioral health services, stigma is still the most frustrating barrier to overcome. Make It OK is helping to remove these barriers.”

— Peter VanDusartz, MA, LCSW, ICS, SAC Director of Behavioral Health HealthPartners

Jeanette Ziegenfuss

“Make It OK is committed to evaluating its progress over time and sharing its findings. The HealthPartners Institute designed the IMPACT survey to systematically measure attitudes and perceptions of mental health and illnesses over time. This enables data-driven decision-making as we learn what opportunities exist to continue to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses and improve community health.”

— Jeanette Ziegenfuss, PhD Director of Survey & Evaluation Science, Center for Evaluation and Survey Research, HealthPartners Institute

Dig into the IMPACT survey results

Read the full report

The Hilarious World of Depression podcast

In 2016 HealthPartners and Make It OK funded this popular podcast that has more than 10,000,000+ downloads and won a Webby Award in 2017.

Start listening