Heather Young Sarkis
Heather Young Sarkis (March 19, 1982 – April 14, 2024) was a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who made significant contributions to the field of mental health. Known for her tireless efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, Heather's holistic approach to patient care included psychotherapy, stress management, nutrition, mindfulness practices, and medication management.
Heather's career in the mental health field spanned over 15 years, during which she held roles in private practice, clinical faculty, and as a preceptor for Nurse Practitioner students. She was a Fellow in Integrative Medicine and co-founder of the Sarkis Family Charitable Foundation, a grassroots effort aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness through community education and engagement. Her work was widely recognized, including being honored as one of the "40 Gators Under 40" by the University of Florida and presenting at TEDxGainesville.
Heather's commitment to mental health extended beyond her clinical practice. She actively engaged in public speaking and educational initiatives to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Her TEDx talk, "Stop the Stigma: Why It's Important to Talk About Mental Health," highlighted her dedication to this cause and inspired many to join the conversation about mental health.
In honor of Heather's life and mission, we are excited to announce the upcoming Heather Sarkis "Stop the Stigma" Health Grant. This grant will help patients afford mental health care, continuing Heather's legacy of compassion and advocacy.
While we are not yet able to distribute the health grants, we are actively working towards our donation goals. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply once we reach our target. We invite you to support this cause by donating to our GoFundMe account in Heather's name. Your contributions will directly impact those in need, helping to provide the mental health services Heather was so passionate about.
Donate now to the Heather Sarkis "Stop the Stigma" Health Grant and help us reach our goal to make a lasting impact in the mental health community.