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Erasing the Distance

Erasing the Distance is 501(c)3 non-profit based in Chicago, Illinois. As a group of artists, activists, and mental health advocates, the mission of Erasing the Distance is to "shed light on mental illness through theatre." The company's vision is "to become one of the nation’s creative leaders in generating increased understanding, compassion and insight around issues of mental health."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from a mental disorder this year. Erasing the Distance performs the true stories' of people's experiences with mental health, and tours these shows to high schools, colleges, community centers, workplaces, and places of worship. The show is followed by a dialouge, and accompanied with free handouts from national mental health organizations such as NAMI and NIMH.

One goal of Erasing the Distance is to connect people to resources that support well-being, and help people understand and talk about mental illness. The company has performed at numerous Chicago-area schools, including DePaul University, and Dominican University.