Mental Health Stigma Has Met Its Match

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If you are struggling with mental health, you aren’t alone. The world is better with you in it.
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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.

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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.
Free Resources

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!

Recognized by NC USTA as the 2024 Charity Tennis Event of the Year!

200+

The number of attendees and players at our inaugural event!

$190,000

The amount of money donated to Charlotte-based nonprofits who deliver a service to those suffering from mental illness.

25+

The number of corporate sponsors who donated their time and money to support our mission.

Grant Recipients

  • Alexander Youth Network

    Since 1946, Alexander Youth Network has provided mental and behavioral health care to children of Charlotte and all over the state. Alexander offers 13 different mental health programs and services in Charlotte and surrounding counties. Last year, Alexander served over 10,000 children and families in the state of North Carolina.

    Learn More

  • For Students

    Helping students, parents and teachers have conversations that can change lives.

    Learn More

  • Mission 34

    On a mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through awareness, education, and ambassadors.

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  • Hopeway

    Hopeway is an accredited nonprofit mental health treatment organization in Charlotte, NC that provides best practice behavioral health care and education for clients and their families.

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  • Mental Health America of Central Carolinas

    Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) provides mental health programs in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Our programs seek to raise awareness, provide support, and end the stigma associated with mental illness.

    Learn More