The STARR Coalition

03/13/2026

Here's a question worth sitting with this Friday:

What actually makes someone trust a clinical research site enough to participate?

At a recent Congressional briefing, our own Erica Moore spoke to the dual stigma many people face - not just around a mental health diagnosis, but around research itself.

Building trust isn't a marketing problem. It's a relationship problem, and it gets solved one community connection at a time.

If you work with research sites, advocacy organizations, or mental health communities - what have you seen actually move the needle?

We'd love to hear from you in the comments.

🔗 Missed the video? Catch the full briefing recap here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FVsbwlcLP0

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/10/2026

Did you know that stigma doesn't just keep people from seeking treatment - it also keeps people from participating in the research that leads to better treatments?

At a recent Congressional briefing, The STARR Coalition joined researchers, advocates, and members of Congress to talk about exactly this. The science of mental health has never been stronger. But science only changes lives when people trust it enough to engage.

If you work with patients, families, or communities affected by mental health conditions, we're asking you to share this video.

You have reach we don't.

Help us build the trust that makes clinical research possible.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/09/2026

Our March newsletter is here!

Read about our 2025 STARR Advocate of the Year, Students With Psychosis, news about Criminal Justice Month, updates from our Certified Sites, and more!

Email from The STARR Coalition Criminal Justice Month, Latest Site News, ICYMI news, and more!   STARR News & Updates March 2026 Students With Psychosis Honored as STARR Advocate of the Year At the 20

03/06/2026

Our partners at Rural Minds are doing critical work to address farmer mental health.

Did you know farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by su***de than the general population?

Their free Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program offers practical tools, mental health education, and support designed specifically for the unique pressures of farming life.

Share this resource with agricultural communities. 🌾💙

Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program This hub offers practical mental health resources, conversation tools, and real-world support tailored to the unique pressures of farming and rural life. Created for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural communities, this free program is designed to strengthen r...

03/06/2026

Key takeaways from our "Fueling the Future" webinar last week. 🧠💙

Last week, Katie Sale (American Brain Coalition), Catherine Gamble, M.S. (Bristol Myers Squibb), Mallory Mercer Witham (Pillar Clinical Research), and our own Erica Moore, MBA discussed the future of mental health research.

One theme emerged loud and clear:

𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡.

The panel discussed how to build trust by reducing confusion and increasing transparency. When participants feel valued and understand what to expect, consent feels less intimidating and research becomes demystified.

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
How are you building trust with potential participants at your sites?

Drop your strategies in the comments.

Your experience could help another site strengthen their approach to community engagement.

Let's continue the conversation.

Missed the webinar? You can view the recording on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj4Q9ZKLa2k&t=14s

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/04/2026

Supporting mental health research means supporting the whole person. 🏠💙

Today we're spotlighting an incredible resource from our partners at the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA): The Housing Toolkit for Families and Caregivers.

This comprehensive toolkit helps families navigate one of the most challenging aspects of supporting a loved one with schizophrenia or psychosis - finding stable, appropriate housing.

It includes:
✓ Understanding your loved one's situation and needs
✓ Assessing activities of daily living and symptoms
✓ Treatment management considerations
✓ Financial planning guidance
✓ Step-by-step plan building worksheets

Why this matters for clinical research: Stable housing is foundational to treatment adherence, medication management, and quality of life - all factors that influence research participation and outcomes. When families have practical tools to address basic needs, they're better positioned to engage with clinical research opportunities.

Clinical researchers and advocates: Share this toolkit with your patient communities, support groups, and caregiver networks. Practical resources like this build trust and demonstrate that the mental health research community cares about real-world challenges families face.

Access the toolkit: sczaction.org/toolkits/housing-resources/

02/28/2026

What a month it's been! 🧠💙✨

As we close out Fueling the Future February, it's time for some housekeeping and reflection.

Today's challenge (Part 1):

Follow up!

Reach out to the people you connected with throughout this month:

✓ The friend you invited to join advocacy efforts
✓ The lawmaker's office you visited
✓ The community organization you partnered with
✓ The library, faith group, or healthcare provider you contacted
✓ Anyone you recruited to become a Research Ambassador

Following up shows commitment and keeps momentum alive. These relationships are the foundation of lasting change.

Today's challenge (Part 2):

Share your feedback! Help us make future campaigns even better. We want to hear:

- What actions resonated most with you?
- What challenges did you face?
- What would you like to see in future advocacy campaigns?
- How can The STARR Coalition better support your advocacy work?

Submit your feedback: action@thestarr.org

Thank you for joining us this month!

Together, we've amplified voices, dispelled myths, connected communities, supported critical policies, and built a legacy of hope for mental health research.

This may be the end of February, but it's just the beginning of the movement we're building together. 💪

What action will you continue beyond February?

Share in the comments! 👇

02/27/2026

Myths are one of the biggest barriers to research participation. Let's bust them!

Today's challenge: Create your own recurring monthly newsletter feature, social media series, blog, or podcast dedicated to busting common myths about mental health research!

Topics to address:

✓ Safety and informed consent
✓ Participant protections and rights
✓ What participation really looks like
✓ The difference between experimental and evidence-based research
✓ Compensation and insurance coverage
✓ How to find trials and what questions to ask

Why consistency matters: Regular, ongoing education builds trust over time.

When people see the same myths addressed month after month in different ways, it normalizes research as a legitimate care option and chips away at decades of misinformation.

Get started:
- Use The STARR's Myths vs. Facts graphics: thestarr.org/fffmythsfacts
- Check out Dispelling Myths resources: thestarr.org/dispelling-myths-about-clinical-research
- Adapt our Fueling the Future resources for content ideas and inspiration: thestarr.org/ffftoolkit
- Commit to publishing on a regular schedule

Consistency builds trust - and trust fuels participation.

Will you launch a myth-busting series?

Tell us about it in the comments!

02/26/2026

HAPPENING TODAY! Final chance to register! 🚨

Fueling the Future of Mental Health Research

⏰ Today at 3:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual (register now!)

Join Katie Sale (American Brain Coalition), Catherine Gamble (Bristol Myers Squibb), Mallory Witham (Pillar Clinical Research), and our own Erica Moore for a critical discussion about the intersection of industry leadership, trust, and policy in mental health research.

We're at a pivotal moment - and this conversation couldn't be more timely.

Last-minute registration: bit.ly/futurefeb

Set a reminder and we'll see you this afternoon!

02/25/2026

BrainHealth Week continues!

Ready to boost your brainpower? 🧠💪

We're halfway through BrainHealth Week, and there's still time to participate in brain-healthy activities that can make a real difference.

Quick ways to participate TODAY:

📱 Start the Resilience Text
Challenge Text STRESS to 888-844-8991 and get science-backed tips for managing stress
🎯 Take the Toxic Habits Quiz
Find out if your daily habits are helping or hurting your brain health: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/toxic-habits-quiz
🎲 Play BrainHealth Bingo
A fun way to incorporate brain-healthy practices into your week
📚 Explore Know Brainers
Browse quick, actionable brain health tips online

Mental health research and brain health are deeply connected. By taking small steps to care for your brain, you're investing in your overall mental wellness.

What brain-healthy habit will you try today?

Learn more: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/events/brainhealth-week

How do you rate yourself? Answer 8 quick questions to learn how helpful or harmful your own habits are.

02/25/2026

Recognition inspires action. Let's celebrate our champions! 🏆❤️

Today's challenge: Identify and recognize a local champion advancing mental health research in your community!

Who deserves recognition?

This could be:
- A research site staff member building community trust
- An advocate working to reduce stigma around research participation
- A local government official supporting innovation and access
- A healthcare provider championing research as a care option
- A community leader opening doors for research education

Why this matters:

When we shine a light on the people doing this vital work, we:
✓ Inspire others to get involved
✓ Build momentum for mental health research
✓ Show that individual efforts make a real difference
✓ Create a culture that values research advocacy

Take it to the next level:
Begin planning now to honor your recipient during next year's Fueling the Future February, and we'll feature your award announcement on the 2027 calendar! ❤️

Who in your community is making a difference in mental health research?

Tag them in the comments and tell us why they deserve recognition!

02/24/2026

Just a few days left to register! ⏰

This Thursday (Feb 26) at 3:00 PM ET, don't miss this important conversation about the future of mental health research.

What we'll discuss:
✓ The current state of mental health research policy
✓ Building and maintaining public trust in clinical research
✓ Industry's role in advancing mental health innovation
✓ Key challenges and opportunities ahead

Our expert panel brings perspectives from advocacy, industry, clinical research, and coalition building - offering a 360-degree view of where mental health research stands and where it needs to go.

This is your chance to hear directly from leaders shaping the field and ask your questions during the live Q&A.

Who should attend:
- Mental health advocates
- Clinical research professionals
- Healthcare providers
- Anyone passionate about advancing mental health research

Register today: bit.ly/futurefeb

See you Thursday! 🎯