Mental Health Stigma Has Met Its Match

Ace The Stigma's goal is to raise funds, increase awareness, and support individuals struggling with mental illness. In our first year, we donated more than $190,000 to nonprofits in Charlotte, NC who aim to help those suffering.



STIGMA
stig·​ma (noun)

  • Defined by the Mayo Clinic is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. 

  • Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:

  • Reluctance to seek help or treatment

  • Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others

  • Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing

  • Bullying, physical violence or harassment

  • Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment

  • The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

Ace The Stigma is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to defeat the stigma surrounding mental health.

Sign Up To Play

Our second Ace The Stigma tennis tournament is scheduled for June 27-29, 2025. Registration is not currently open, but please leave your information below to make sure you’re in the loop for news and updates.
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Personal and corporate donations will go to groups raising awareness about mental health issues.
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Get Help Today

If you are struggling with mental health, you aren’t alone. The world is better with you in it.
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In Memory of Chuck Reiney

Ace the Stigma was founded in 2023 in memory of Chuck Reiney who died by suicide at the age of 53.  He was a husband, father, avid tennis player, and former president of the Olde Providence Tennis Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Ace The Stigma will focus on raising money, providing support, and bringing people together, all to help those who are suffering from mental illness. Please join us as we, ACE THE STIGMA!

  • 46% of Americans

    will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life.

  • 21 Million

    American adults experience depression.